According to a recent report by beIN Sports, Bayern Munich have launched an offer in the region of €80m for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe amidst interest from Arsenal. The same source has revealed that the Gunners have fallen behind in the race to secure the services of the Ligue 1 sensation.
Unai Emery has a transfer budget of just £40m (via Football.London), so it is difficult to see how the North London outfit can compete with the likes of Bayern for the Ivory Coast speedster.
Pepe has enjoyed a sensational campaign for Lille after putting in a series of match-winning displays for them during this campaign. He has managed to establish himself as a regular member of Christophe Galtier’s first-team and is improving his game with each match. The ex-SCO Angers prospect has featured in 32 games for Lille this term, finding the back of the net 18 times while providing 11 assists in multiple competitions.
His incredible goal-scoring displays have helped Lille climb to the second place of the Ligue 1 standings heading into the business end of this campaign. At 23, Pepe has massive potential and has his peak years ahead of him which could benefit any of his potential suitors in the coming years.
The Ivory Coast attacker has blistering pace and is a productive dribbler with the ball down the wide areas. He has also developed a knack for scoring and creating goals as evidenced by his incredible numbers this season. Pepe also possesses the ability to unlock any defence with a decisive through-ball in the final third which makes him such as invaluable asset for his team.
Missing out on the Ligue 1 sensation will be a bitter pill to swallow for Emery and co. at the Emirates Stadium. He would have undoubtedly bolstered Emery’s attacking options and also offered some much-needed width for them up front. The Gunners have only got Alex Iwobi as their only natural winger, so they need a promising wide man like Pepe to help them compete for some silverware next season.
If the Arsenal board are unwilling to splash the cash for him this summer, then Emery’s only option would be to find a cheaper alternative which won’t be easy in today’s inflated transfer market.
