Atletico Madrid refuse to sell Bayern Munich Lucas Hernandez in January

Atletico Madrid’s executive director has ruled out selling Lucas Hernandez to Bayern Munich in the upcoming January transfer window.

Bayern Munich ended the year on a good note, claiming five consecutive wins in the Bundesliga for the first time since Niko Kovac took over the club. They still remain six points behind league leaders Borussia Dortmund, but the signs are promising for Kovac and Co.

The Bavarians are reportedly hard at work looking to secure a winter transfer or two to reinforce the squad. Lucas Hernandez has been a major talking point in Bavaria, as the French defender has recently emerged as the top transfer target for Die Roten.

Reports in Spain have now claimed Bayern will have to wait until the summer, though, to sign the World Cup winner. Speaking to Goal, Atletico Madrid’s executive director Gil Martin has reiterated that his defender will not leave Madrid in the next month. The Spanish club will speak to Bayern in January and negotiate for a transfer that will take place in the summer.

"“The player cannot leave Atletico Madrid in this winter transfer window. We have a good relationship with Bayern and will meet with them in January to evaluate the situation.“If the player wants to leave we will talk about it – but only about a transfer in July.”"

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Bayern can sign Hernandez in January by activating his release clause which is just below €100 million, according to Marca. This fee is about twice the record fee paid by the Germans for Corentin Tolisso two summer windows ago. Die Roten might be able to negotiate a fee lower than his release clause in the summer, however, if they agree to Atletico’s demand of not forcing a January move.

Hernandez is reportedly quite keen on moving to Bayern. The French defender spoke to media on Thursday for the first time since the reports of a winter move emerged. Speaking to Le Figaro, Hernandez admitted that he is happy in Madrid but that he might rethink his future if a promising offer emerges.

"“I’m fine here in Madrid, but if I have to leave tomorrow because a project interests me, I’ll think about it.“In football, there is a lot of solicitations, and I will have to weigh every time the pros and cons to make the best decision possible for me, my family and the rest of my career.”"

Bayern’s club hierarchy has remained tight-lipped about the club’s interest in the 22-year-old. Hernandez had a chance to completely shut down these reports, but he decided to give a more diplomatic answer. All signs are pointing toward a move to this deal going through, but the question of when it will take place remains. The Bavarians always want to do business with clubs on amicable terms, so a move in the summer looks more likely at this point.

Still, Kovac’s side has struggled with defensive problems this season. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are struggling to cope up with fast attackers, and both players look a shadow of their former selves. Hernandez wouldn’t solv all the defensive problems, but his addition would improve Bayern’s chances going into the Champions League tie against Liverpool. Bayern need to be more ruthless in the transfer market as they approach the task of rebuilding their aging squad.