Portsmouth have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Plymouth Argyle striker Promise Pepple, with journalist Darren Witcoop claiming John Mousinho is eager to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Pompey were first linked with the 23-year-old in May alongside Lincoln City, Norwich City and Watford. While there has been little to suggest the Imps have progressed their interest since then, Portsmouth now appear to be stepping up their efforts, potentially putting themselves at the front of the queue.
Pepple enjoyed a standout first season at Home Park after joining Plymouth from Luton Town last summer. The Canadian forward scored 18 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, including 16 in League One, helping Argyle mount a promotion challenge. Lincoln supporters will remember his impact against the Imps in February, when he caused problems before leaving the pitch through injury during Plymouth’s 4-1 defeat.
His impressive form also earned him a first senior call-up to the Canada national team in March, capping a remarkable rise after several years of loan spells across the English football pyramid.
After arriving in England from Canadian club Cavalry in 2022, Pepple struggled to establish himself at Luton and never made a league appearance for the Hatters. Instead, he gained experience during loan spells with Grimsby Town, Bromley, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Southend United and Chesterfield.
Signs of his potential emerged during his final season under Luton’s ownership, as he netted 10 goals for Southend before adding another five at Chesterfield. Those performances convinced Plymouth to secure his signature, a decision that paid off immediately.
Argyle could also be preparing for the departure of fellow striker Lorent Tolaj, who has been strongly linked with a move to Bristol City. Although head coach Tom Cleverley has maintained the club are not under pressure to sell their key forwards, he has acknowledged that a significant offer could force a rethink.
Pepple remains under contract at Plymouth, meaning any interested club would need to negotiate a transfer fee. Argyle are believed to have paid an initial £250,000 to sign him from Luton, with performance-related add-ons included, but his impressive campaign means any deal is now expected to exceed £750,000.
As for Lincoln City, it remains uncertain whether their reported interest has developed beyond early scouting. The Imps were only said to be monitoring the striker earlier in the transfer window, with no indication that an offer has been made. Portsmouth’s growing interest, however, suggests Pepple is firmly on the radar of Championship clubs searching for attacking reinforcements before the new season begins.
