Bayern Munich linked with a move for Lille’s Nicolas Pepe
Bayern Munich have reportedly joined the race to sign Lille’s explosive 23-year-old winger Nicolas Pepe.
Uli Hoeness admitted last month that Bayern Munich will likely look to spend big next summer on their wing department. He has also previously insisted that the club will look to bring in young talents rather than spend excess on “superstars.”
The Bavarians are likely to be linked with several wide players throughout the season after such blatant statements by the club president. In fact, Bayern have already found themselves linked with moves for next summer.
According to a report in Sport, Bayern Munich have joined the race for Lille’s Nicolas Pepe. The Spanish outlet suggests that Bayern have already scouted Pepe several times and even contacted Lille about the player. Lille have already confirmed interest from Barcelona in the Ivory Coast international, so the Bavarians could find themselves in a bidding war if their interest is genuine.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Pepe has made a fantastic start for Lille this season. He has already scored eight goals and assisted three more in all competitions. The Ivorian forward can operate on the right flank as well as a number nine. Pepe has also been a regular part of Ivory Coast squad since 2016, scoring three goals in six appearances for his country.
Bayern Munich have a plethora of options on the left flank. Despite having the ability to play on either flank, Kingsley Coman is deemed the long-term successor for Franck Ribery at left wing. The 22-year-old was tipped to have a prolific season, but he suffered a severe injury against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga opener. Coman is unlikely to play again in 2018, but Bayern will be hoping he is back in action for the Champions League knockout games.
Serge Gnabry, meanwhile, enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Hoffenheim last season, when he scored ten goals in the Bundesliga for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Bayern have included him in the first team squad for this season. He’s likely to get a lot of gametime under Niko Kovac, especially with Coman out injured.
On the other flank, Bayern have very limited options. Arjen Robben is showing no signs of slowing down as he has started this season in a fine manner. The Dutchman is still likely to be playing his last season in a Bayern shirt, though. Thomas Muller and James Rodriguez can also operate on the right side, but they are both far more effective in central positions. A right sided forward is likely to be at the top of the list of priorities for Bayern next summer.
Next. Renato Sanches needs consistent minutes to reach his best. dark
Pepe is a fine talent and can be the solution for Bayern Munich on that right flank. There is nothing concrete about this transfer, but Bayern should surely keep tabs on the 23-year-old forward. The Bavarians were also heavily linked with a move for Leon Bailey in the summer window. Pepe is a fine back-up option for Bayern if they are not able to sign Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen next summer.