According to the latest update from France, Bayern Munich have resumed their attempts to sign Lille’s 23-year-old winger Nicolas Pepe.
Bayern Munich will have a huge task on their hand to make the right additions to the attacking department of the squad this summer. The Bundesliga champions need at least one top wide player to compensate for the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Leroy Sane has emerged as the club’s top target for this position. Die Roten have openly declared their interest in the German winger. However, this deal will be very difficult to complete due to the huge transfer fee demanded by Manchester City. Bayern will have to look at other alternatives if they fail to find a breakthrough in this deal.
Nicolas Pepe is one of the players who can be a very good alternative for Sane. The Ivory Coast winger has been heavily linked with Bayern throughout the season due to his impressive performances with Lille. The latest murmurs in France suggest that the German giants have renewed their interest in the 23-year-old.
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According to RMC’s Mohamed Bouhafsi, Bayern Munich are negotiating with Pepe and Lille to complete the transfer. The French journalist also insists that Liverpool have held talks with the winger and that a third major European club is expected to come into the picture. The Sun also reported earlier today that Pepe will reject advances from the Premier League clubs to seal a move to Bayern Munich.
Bild and Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk claims Bayern decided against a move for the player a few weeks ago. However, should the Bavarians fail to secure their primary targets — Leroy Sane and/or Callum Hudson-Odoi — then they could reconsider their stance on Nicolas Pepe.
There have been some conflicting reports regarding Pepe and Bayern Munich all throughout this year. Bayern had reportedly prepared a big offer for the player, but the German media insisted that the club’s hierarchy have serious doubts about the player. The rumors about Pepe eventually became rare in the final stages of the season.
The 23-year-old was one of the most productive attacking players in Europe last season. He predominantly operated on the right flank for Lille, but he can also operate as a number nine. The Ivory Coast international will be able to play in his natural position at Bayern, as both Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry can play on the left flank. Pepe will be cheaper than Sane, but the Man City star will adapt quickly to Bundesliga due to his past experience and nationality.
Lille have already insisted that Pepe will be sold this summer. The French club will be hoping that there is a bidding war for their best player. Pepe is set to feature for Ivory Coast in the Africa cup of Nations next weekend. The player will be unavailable to complete a transfer during the tournament. Bayern Munich will have to make significant progress in the next week if they want to conclude this deal.