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Tottenham Hotspur will hope Nicolas Pepe’s presence helps Jonathan Ikone decide on move – TBR View

Mathew Nash

Sun 12 July 2020 8:45, UK

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be interested in a potential move for Lille attacker Jonathan Ikone. 

, that Tottenham have made an inquiry regarding a potential move for the player. 

It would undoubtedly be an expensive deal to put together. in March that Ikone had an asking price of £60 million placed on his head. That may have dropped since the global health crisis.

But if Tottenham did want to make a move for the player, the presence of Nicolas Pepe at their rivals Arsenal might be a major boost. 

Ikone and Pepe, along with Jonathan Bamba formed the deadly ‘BIP BIP’ trio at Lille in 2018-19. 

Pepe became the standout star from the group, resulting in a £72 millionmove to Arsenal.

But the pair did not just have a decent relationship on the pitch, they were close friends off of it as well. 

last year, Pepe explained how his friendship with Ikone and Bamba was stronger than that of other players in the Lille team. 

“Do we get along well? It’s a plus, it’s easier when you get along well to please your friend. In this team, we all have a good bond. With Ikoné and Bamba, I have a better one than the others.”

So if Tottenham were trying to convince Ikone to choose North London as his next location, then the presence of one of his best friends in the area would undoubtedly help. 

Ikone struggled in the early stages of the 2019-20 campaign without Pepe but adapted to the team by December and provided seven assists in his final 17 games of the season. 

However, his pace and vision make him an incredible attacking threat and would be a brilliant Premier League acquisition.

If Ikone could thrive at Tottenham, nobody would mind if now and again he fraternizes with the enemy.