Bayern Munich blow Arsenal away with opening £69m offer for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe

BAYERN MUNICH have moved a huge step ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Lille star Nicolas Pepe, reports claim.

Arsenal are in the hunt for a proven wide man, with Alex Iwobi struggling for goals despite being backed by Unai Emery.

Having excelled at Lille this term, the 23-year-old has caught the attention of the Gunners and Bayern.

Previous reports had indicated that Lille would be prepared to sell Pepe should a £50million offer come in for him.

However, according to , Bayern have now submitted a whopping £69m bid for the winger.

Arsenal had been recommended to sign Pepe by their former head of recruitment Sven Mislintat before he left the club.

But they will be unable to compete for the Lille player, particularly if they miss out on the Champions League, with Emery being given only £40m to spend on summer recruits.

GOOD IN RED

While Lille coach Christophe Gaultier will try to fend off bids for Pepe, he admits his prized asset would look good for any team in red.

Last month, he said: “Nicolas Pepe is having a great season and he will continue to improve.

"He has to go to a Champions League club. In my opinion, he does not need an intermediate step to go as high as possible.

"I can see him well in a team that plays in red."

Pepe has been explosive for the Ligue 1 outfit this term, hitting 17 goals and laying on eight assists.