Bayern Munich are close to finalising a deal for Arsenal target and Lille star Nicolas Pepe, according to reports in France.

Lille's Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Lille (LOSC) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) on December 1, 2018 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villenueve d'Ascq. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Lille’s Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between Lille (LOSC) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) on December 1, 2018, at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villenueve d’Ascq. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP/Getty Images)

Le10Sport report that Bayern have a serious interest in Pepe, and discussions have already taken place between the Bundesliga club, Lille and the player’s entourage.

Nothing has been signed just yet, nor have they reached an agreement, but negotiations are certainly moving in the right direction. Lille are hoping for around €50m for the player’s transfer. BeIN SPORTS take the story one step further, claiming Bayern are ‘close to finalising a deal’ for the Lille forward.

Le10Sport reported previously that Arsenal were ‘well-positioned’ to bring Nicolas Pepe to the club this summer. The Gunners were apparently favourites to sign their long-term target for a fee of around €50m, according to the claims.

However, the latest rumours suggest it’s Barcelona, Bayern and PSG on the player’s case. If that’s true, with the bidding at €50m or more, it seems extremely unlikely the winger will end up in North London.

Pepe has been in fantastic form for Lille this season, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists in just 30 matches. As a result, his team have made a surprising run up the table, only sitting behind PSG at it stands. The forward might even be tempted to stay with his current club if they qualify for the Champions League. We’ll see.