Update: PSG back out, Bayern Munich in pole position to sign Nicolas Pepe

As Lille thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 5-1 on Sunday, Nicolas Pepe was once again the star of the show with a goal and two assists. According to L’Equipe TV [via fussballtransfers], Bayern Munich had scouts attending the game, and they were likely impressed by what they saw.

Now that Lille’s president has confirmed that the 24-year old Pepe will certainly leave the club in the summer, the question of where he might end up has the media in frenzy. With Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery leaving the club this summer, Bayern lead the race to sign the young winger. However, they face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom would like to have Pepe in their ranks.

Pepe has set Ligue 1 alight this season, notching up 20 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. He is the second highest scorer in the league (behind Mbappe) with 19 goals, and the best provider with 11 assists, despite not playing for the powerhouse that is PSG. For comparison, current Bayern legend Franck Ribery “only” managed 6 goals and 12 assists in his final season for Marseille, and he was around the same age as Pepe at the time.

Lille are asking for a fee of €80m, which could be an issue. However, Uli Hoeness promised a complete squad overhaul in the summer, and Pepe could be part of the equation. Would his transfer prevent us from going after Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi? Maybe not. After all, considering how injury prone Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are, having extra depth is almost a necessity.

Hopefully, the Great Winger Hunt of 2019 turns out to be a roaring success.

Update

According to Paris United, Bayern Munich are in pole position to sign Nicolas Pepe. Their report claims that PSG want to sign the young winger, but FFP prevents them from meeting Lille’s demands. That doesn’t sound like a great thing, because it means that Pepe really might be as expensive as we all think.

We’ll keep you updated as more news comes to light.