Bayern Munich are now leading the race for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, according to reports in Germany.

Arsenal had been linked with a £30m move for the Ivory Coast international, but the Bundesliga club are looking to steal a march on their rivals with a January bid for the player.

Pepe has been in phenomenal form this campaign. The right winger has scored six goals and contributed six assists in just nine appearances, including scoring all three goals in a 3-2 win against Amiens last month.

The 23-year-old has pace to burn and likes to cut in from the right-hand side onto his stronger left-foot. The Ivorian would certainly give the Gunners a formidable frontline alongside Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

However, Pepe has a number of suitors. As well as Bayern, Manchester United were also linked with the midfielder last month, while both Southampton and Lyon reportedly made bids for the player in the summer.