FARO, PORTUGAL - JULY 20: LOSC Lille forward Nicolas Pepe from Ivory Coast during the match between FC Porto v LOSC Lille for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 20, 2018 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Reports have taken another turn in the Nicolas Pepe race after it was suggested Bayern Munich will pull out of the deal for the forward.

Sport Bild and Get German Football News reported early on Wednesday morning, rumoured leaders in the chase for Pepe has pulled out of the transfer battle. It appears initial tales that the German giants already had a pre-agreement in place for the Ligue 1 sensation was wide off the mark.

Original reports claimed the Munich outfit was on a massive overhaul because of their ageing side and Pepe was a key ingredient to this new regime and look. The talks were convincing and almost seemed certain the Germans were ready to splash the cash.

Hearsay has since changed. Arsenal and Bayern were strongly linked with a move for the player, with Arsenal the strongest bidders at first. The problem persisting with the Gunners, their transfer kitty is said to be small and outgoing before incoming.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich will pull out

With the club’s (Lille) hierarchy resigned on losing their most prized asset, a price tag has been set. The fee put up for Nicolas is about the £60 (€70) million mark. Because of this, teams (Bayern Munich) have already started turning away from bidding for him, as well as turned their attention elsewhere.

The German side is not willing to meet the French club’s demands and are not willing to pay over €30 to €40 and have stopped their pursuit of the forward. Why Arsenal will not meet the requested amount they have more than just forwards to worry about and should be starting with defensive targets before looking at attackers.

In front of goal, the Gunners have shot steady and true for the most part of 2018-2019. They boast quite the attacking threat with Alexandre Lacazette alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line. With Danny Welbeck being released (Arsenal not renewing his contract) it would represent fantastic business to capture the 23-year-old.

Yet, it still shouldn’t tempt them to change their transfer plans. Under the new age of Unai Emery, Arsenal has conceded 50 goals this season in the Premier League alone. Seven of those coming from penalties and 10 from set pieces. The rest, open play (30), counter attacks, (2) and an own goal (1). The second highest conceders of the top six.

Across all competitions, the North London club has scored a convincing amount of 104 goals. The proof is in the stats, the back is what really needs work over at the Emirates.

Bayern Munich will not make a move for 23-year-old Lille forward Nicolas Pépé, according to Sport Bild. — Get German Football News (@GGFN_) May 8, 2019

Liverpool must push for Nicolas Pepe

Everything about the transfer makes sense for the club from Merseyside. A young, technical forward with pace and power, who is still a raw talent needing proper nurturing to become a world-class player.

Attackers like Daniel Sturridge are on their way out of the club and needs to be replaced with a more suited player to Klopp’s style of football. Klopp will enjoy working with a player of Pepe’s age.

The Ivorian will also feel right at home with Liverpool already harbouring three of the best African players in the world at the moment, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita. The funds Klopp has available gives him all the tools to snatch one of the biggest, young transfer targets in the market this summer.