According to Talksport, the Italian giants have reportedly slapped in a £8.5m offer for the 23-year-old Gabon forward.
The Saint-Etienne striker is said to be Pardew's number one choice in the summer transfer window.
The Toon boss has had him tracked, and his French scouting team have sent back glowing reports.
Despite France's high ranking in the FIFA list, the Premiership (and leagues in Italy and Spain) are still the leagues where most French players want to play their football.