The last couple of months showed that Bayern Munich often lost the midfield battle in crucial games. In order to bring more solidity to the midfield, Bayern is expected to sign a new defensive midfielder during the summer transfer window. It does look like Thomas Tuchel and Die Roten have identified the top target for this position.
According to Sport1, Bayern and Tuchel held talks with West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the last few weeks. The English midfielder is expected to leave West Ham United this summer. Tuchel is eager to bring Rice to Munich as he ticks all boxes for the number six role. Rice is also open to joining Die Roten in the summer.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports in Germany is reporting that Rekordmeister is ready to pay a package worth €100 million for Rice. The English midfielder currently has a contract with West Ham until 2024, but the London-based club has the option to extend it further by a year.
Bild has also confirmed that Bayern chiefs and Tuchel had a meeting with Rice two weeks ago. The English midfielder has emerged as a top transfer target for the Bavarian club. It remains to be seen if they reach an agreement with West Ham amidst interest from several English clubs.
❗️News #Rice: Bayern knows that the overall financial package is around €100m at this stage - only transfer fee!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 30, 2023
His contract is NOT running out 2024. It’s valid until 2025 because West Ham has an option for one more year.
But: Hoeneß (back in the game) has opened the door… pic.twitter.com/NYjh18O1AL
Arsenal has been heavily linked with a move for Rice, while the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested in the 24-year-old midfielder. Bayern cannot outbid the English clubs, so they first need to reach an agreement with the player to clinch this transfer.
Rice’s future is not going to be sorted in the next couple of weeks as he will be playing in Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina next week. The London-based club is unlikely to hold talks before the final as they are firmly focussing on the European final.
The arrival of Rice will allow Tuchel to use Joshua Kimmich in the number eight role. The German midfielder will provide more creativity in the final third by playing in this position. Meanwhile, Rice will shield the back four and keep the play ticking in the center of the park. The English midfielder is good on the ball and adds more steel to the midfield.
Want your voice heard? Join the Bayern Strikes team!
Bayern will look for a swift conclusion to negotiations with West Ham since they want to avoid a bidding war with English clubs. Even though the recent reports about Rice in Germany are positive, it does feel like this transfer will be a drawn-out saga this summer.