Bayern Munich is reportedly going to miss out on the signing of Rodri from Atletico Madrid as the player prefers joining Manchester City.
The major objectives of Bayern Munich this summer is to improve their options in attack and defense. Die Roten has addressed the defensive issues but they are yet to make a genuine breakthrough in their pursuit of signing a top class winger. Apart from these to key areas, Bayern Munich is also reportedly looking to add quality in the midfield by signing a world-class holding midfielder.
Atletico Madrid’s Rodri has been frequently reported as the prime midfield target for the Bavarians. The Bundesliga champions have reportedly submitted an offer for the player. The murmurs from Spain earlier today suggest that Bayern is going to lose the race for signing the 21-year old midfielder.
According to AS, Rodri has informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave the club this summer. Bayern Munich and Manchester City are the two concrete options for the Spain international. The two clubs are ready to activate Rodri’s €70 million release clause but Man City are the favorites to land him.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Mundo Deportivo has more information on this transfer saga as they report that Rodri has rejected a move to Bayern and decided to play under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Bayern Munich will have to make a move for other transfer targets for this position. The Bundesliga Champions have also been linked with Bordeaux’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
Niko Kovac has previously admitted that Die Roten need a commanding defensive midfielder to stamp their authority in the Champions League games. The Croatian has used numerous options for this role in the squad but he still wants an upgrade in this position this summer.
Javi Martinez is the most natural defensive midfielder in Bayern’s squad. The Spaniard ended the season strongly but his lack of mobility is not ideal to play in this role at the top level. Thiago Alcantara has delivered some impressive performances in this position but his qualities are best used when he is deployed in the central midfield position.
Kovac also has the option of moving Joshua Kimmich in the midfield next season. The German likes to play in midfield and he has been used in this role for the national team. Benjamin Pavard could end up becoming the first choice right-back if Kovac decides to play Kimmich in the number six position. Bayern has suffered a setback in their pursuit of signing Rodri but there are many solutions for this problem position in the current squad.