Latest reports claim that Bayern Munich have expressed strong interests towards one of Arsenal’s top summer targets, Nicolas Pepe.
The Gunners have been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old for months now, suggested by the departing head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat. Pepe has hit his best form this season, scoring 16 goals in 23 Ligue 1 appearances for LOSC Lille.
He switched from Angers in 2017 for a reported fee of €10m and has quickly established himself as one of the most lethal wingers in the French top flight. Seeing that Pepe’s rise has occurred at such an explosive rate, plenty of European outfits have taken notice of his talents.
Arsenal failed to sign anybody except Denis Suarez this past month due to their limited financial capabilities. It seems like Mesut Ozil’s behemoth £350,000-per-week contract along with the summer additions is restricting them from making any permanent transfers.
However, the Arsenal faithful has been led to believe that Unai Emery will be handed a £45m allowance to restructure next summer. Adding a winger on top of more defensive reinforcements seem necessary to ensure a top-four finish, if not now then next campaign.
Pepe has been capped 10 times for Ivory Coast national side with a contract set to last till June 2022. His arrival will not be cheap by any means since Bayern have joined in on the race.
The Bavarians famously missed out on Callum Hudson-Odoi in the winter market but are touted to return for the Chelsea winger after this season. If they manage to sign the Blues youngster, their interests in Pepe could reduce by significant margins.
The Ligue 1 star is valued at £72m and is heavily touted to be as talented as the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe by his coach.
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