Bayern Munich identify Ajax star to improve midfield
The title race in the Bundesliga is set to go down to the wire. Bayern Munich is currently leading the race going into the penultimate game week of the season. The record Bundesliga champions need to win the last two games to seal their 11th consecutive league title.
Along with focusing on the present, Bayern has already started planning for the summer transfer window. The Bavarian club is expected to spend big money on a striker, but a midfielder is also high on Thomas Tuchel’s list. The German coach reportedly wants a midfielder that can play in the number six position.
According to Sport1, Ajax’s Edson Alvarez is one of the candidates for Bayern to strengthen the midfield department. The Bavarian club is facing competition from Borussia Dortmund for the Mexican midfielder.
Sport1 has revealed that both Bundesliga clubs have held talks with Alvarez’s representatives, but talks with Ajax are yet to begin. The Dutch club will look to get €35-40 million for Alvarez in the summer window. The competition between the two top Bundesliga clubs may help Ajax to drive up the price.
Alvarez has largely played in the defensive midfield position for Ajax. The Mexican midfielder is not expansive with his passive range, but he keeps the play ticking and provides the shield to the back four. He is very similar to Javi Martinez when he arrived at Bayern from Athletic Bilbao a decade ago.
Joshua Kimmich is likely to play as a number eight if Die Roten ends up signing Alvarez. The report from Sport1 also reveals that Bayern admires West Ham’s Declan Rice. However, the English midfielder will be very expensive for Rekordmeister in the summer window. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly battling for the signing of Rice.
Alvarez is not the blockbuster signing that will grab headlines, but he may prove to be vital for Die Roten in their quest to bring the Champions League trophy back to Allianz Arena. The Mexican defender will help Die Roten in winning battles. His physicality and good ball-playing ability will make the team much more solid in both boxes.
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If the interest in Alvaraz from Bayern is concrete, there is likely to be movement at the end of May. The record Bundesliga champions want to get their business done early in the summer. Addressing the midfield position early in the window will give Bayern a lot of time in the summer to get the desired striker.