Bayern Munich: Thomas Tuchel eager to sign defensive midfielder
The main priority for Bayern Munich this summer is to sign a number nine. They are doing everything possible to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur to improve the attack. After holding positive talks with Spurs on Monday, Bayern is expected to submit an improved bid for the English forward.
While the attack is the immediate priority area to address for Bayern, they are also eager to improve the midfield department this summer. They have already signed Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig on a free transfer. Die Roten is also eager to sign a holding midfielder to provide more steel and solidity in the center of the park.
West Ham United’s Declan Rice was the top target for Bayern earlier this summer. However, the English midfielder preferred a move to Arsenal over Munich. Even if Bayern had convinced Rice, they would have found it difficult to find a way to pay the £105 million that Arsenal paid for him.
Despite losing out on Rice, Bayern remains interested in adding this profile to the midfield department. While talking to the media in Singapore on Tuesday (viaiMiaSanMia), Thomas Tuchel publicly expressed his desire to have a new defensive midfielder in the squad for next season. The German coach is ready to find a solution from the squad itself, but ideally, a new signing will be appreciated by him.
"“We don’t have a proper holding #6 who’s more about providing defensive protection. It’s my observation that we don’t have that type of player. All our midfielders are quite mobile. But you can still win games without such a player. We have to find solutions.”“If there’s a possibility, we would be open. There’s no need to be stubborn and put pressure. There are a few players who can make us stronger, sometimes they’re not available.”"
Apart from Rice, Bayern has been linked with several other defensive midfielders this summer. After initially deciding against making a bid for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, the Bavarian club still have him on the shortlist of midfield targets. Spurs midfielder Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips have also been linked with a move to Munich.
Bayern has probably allocated a big part of their budget towards the signing of Harry Kane, so they are likely to play the waiting game for the second midfield signing. A move for a new defensive midfielder may take place later in the window.
Along with the possibility of signing a new midfielder, Bayern might be open to potential departures in this position. Ryan Gravenberch may go out on loan or leave permanently if he doesn’t get assurances over playing time. The Dutch midfielder had a difficult debut season at Bayern, so he is keen on playing regularly next season.
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Leon Goretzka is also facing an uncertain future at Bayern. The German midfielder wants to stay in Munich for next season, but he is no longer the first-choice midfield option for Thomas Tuchel. The last few weeks of the transfer window may see several changes to the midfield department.