Bayern Munich had been heavily linked with AC Milan star Rafael Leao at the end of the season. Once it became clear that Florian Wirtz was not joining Bayern, the Bundesliga champions looked at Leao as a potential option to strengthen the attack.
Despite the talks between Max Eberl and representatives of Leao, it does look like a move to Bavaria is unlikely to materialize for Leao. AC Milan will be happy to have Leao in the squad next season since he has been one of the top performers for them in the last few seasons.
While talking to BR24Sport (via iMiaSanMia), Bayern’s supervisory board member Uli Hoeness confirmed talks between Eberl and Leao. Hoeness also added that Bayern will not be making a move for the Portuguese forward this summer since those talks were not fruitful.
"No, no, no - he never was a topic for us. Max told me he held talks, but they weren't fruitful."Uli Honess on Rafael Leao
Hoeness was also surprised by the news of Nico Williams signing a new deal at Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish winger had emerged as the top target for Bayern on the left flank. However, FC Barcelona were leading the race to sign him. Against all odds, Athletic Bilbao managed to emerge winner out of this saga by agreeing to a contract until 2035.
Bayern have also received a stern response from Paris Saint-Germain regarding Bradley Barcola. The French winger reportedly features high on the list of targets at Bayern. However, Luis Enrique, PSG head coach, has insisted that Barcola is not going anywhere this summer as he is a crucial part of his plans this summer. The European Champions have opened talks with Barcola for a new deal.
Bayern face competition from Barcelona for Luis Diaz
The Bundesliga champions had an approach rejected by Liverpool for Luis Diaz this week. The Bavarian club remains keen on the Colombian forward, but the Merseyside club is not interested in listening to offers this summer.
Barcelona also had an approach for Diaz earlier this summer. With Nico Williams signing a new deal at Athletic Bilbao, the Spanish champions will try to make another move for Diaz. Bayern and Barcelona will go head-to-head for the Colombian forward if Liverpool open the door for his exit.
Die Roten and Barcelona also have an interest in Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford. The two clubs are competing against each other for the same players this summer. There are likely to be more updates around Bayern’s plans for the remainder of the summer once their Club World Cup campaign comes to an end.