Bayern chasing Koundé again? (The Hard Tackle)
There have been some off-and-on rumors involving Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, but they seem to be…back on?
Maybe?
Let’s take a look:
Arsenal will look to sign 27-year-old French international Jules Kounde from La Liga champions Barcelona this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, the Gunners are ready to launch a bid to sign Jules Kounde if he indicates his desire to leave Barcelona in the ongoing transfer window. However, Arsenal will face stiff competition
from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain for the Frenchman’s signature, with the Blaugrana considering his future at Camp Nou.
Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich all have compelling reasons to pursue Kounde. Arsenal face defensive injuries. William Saliba’s long-term back injury and Jurrien Timber’s ongoing fitness concerns have strained Arsenal’s defensive depth, whilst Ben White’s future remains uncertain. Mikel Arteta thus views a versatile centre-back as a priority addition in the summer window, particularly given the club’s long-standing interest in Kounde.
PSG, with Marquinhos over 30 and approaching the twilight of his career, need to refresh their defensive unit. Recent reports have linked Illia Zabarnyi and Lucas Beraldo with moves away from Parc des Princes, with the former targeted by Liverpool. Additionally Luis Enrique currently lacks a proven alternative to Achraf Hakimi at right-back, making Kounde a candidate worth serious consideration.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have relied on makeshift options in the right-back role under Vincent Kompany. The Bundesliga champions require a definitive solution in the position to compete at the highest level, and they have set their sights on Kounde.
It has been reported for weeks that Bayern Munich will not be making any more acquisitions this summer — barring something crazy happening. Would Koundé becoming available qualify?
Maybe, but Bayern Munich spending a lot to add a fourth right-back to its current roster would be a bit much — even if Koundé is a great player.
LFC still talking to PSG on Barcola (ESPN)
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are still engaged in talks for Bradley Barcola:
Liverpool remain in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain to reach an agreement regarding Bradley Barcola and will do so until deadline day, according to Florian Plettenberg. The Reds are confident that they can complete a deal for the 23-year-old, who didn’t make it onto the pitch at all during Les Parisiens’ 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup. Rio Ngumoha is likely to predominantly be used on the right wing if Barcola joins.
It does not seem as if any other club is interested in Barcola — or at least believes it has a chance with the Frenchman.
Why Haaland won’t be captain for City (Sky Sports)
Well, it looks like Erling Haaland is not going to wear the captain’s armband for Manchester City under Enzo Maresca — but it has nothing to do with his leadership ability:
Bayern not looking at Gibbs-White (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk)
If you saw the rumors about Bayern Munich having interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, those were “not true” per Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk:
❌ It is NOT TRUE: Bayern are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White as a potential Michael Olise replacement if the Frenchman signs for Real Madrid. In midfield, Bayern Munich has many good players in this position, including Joshua Kimmich and Lennart Karl, and then you have up-and-coming stars like Tomas Bischof, who is putting pressure on more established stars like Aleksandar Pavlović. Konrad Laimer can also play there. Then, when it comes to the wings, Bayern can call upon Luis Diaz and Lennart Karl. So, no, Bayern are not searching to bolster the position. The Daily Mail wrote that the Nottingham Forest man could be considered a potential replacement for Olise, but I just don’t see that. More to the point, Bayern Munich won’t sell Michael Olise this summer.
Real to being in Zubimendi for depth? (ESPN)
Real Madrid could be looking to bring in Arsenal defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi:
Real Madrid could move for Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi after missing out on Manchester City’s Rodri, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 27-year-old struggled towards the back end of last season, and his future is now considered uncertain following the arrival of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United. They also showed interest in signing him from Real Sociedad last summer, but there will be difficulty in completing a deal as Arsenal are demanding €90M and Chelsea are providing competition after Xabi Alonso had driven Los Blancos’ previous interest.
Real Madrid initially wanted Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodri, but might have to settle for the poor man’s version of the Spanish midfielder.
Torres to PSG done per report (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
As expected, FC Barcelona looks set to lose Ferrán Torres to PSG:
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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