The majority of the summer will be dominated by the pursuit of attacking players at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have parted ways with Thomas Muller, while the futures of Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane are uncertain.
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has emerged as one of the potential targets for Bayern this summer. The Portuguese winger has been linked with a move away from Milan this summer. Die Roten want to add a winger to the squad who can predominantly play on the left. Leao ticks all the boxes for this position, making him a solid transfer target for Die Roten.
According to Kicker, Bayern held talks with Rafael Leao’s representatives last week. The Portuguese winger is receptive to joining the Bavarian club this summer. However, the biggest stumbling block in the potential transfer is the demands of AC Milan.
Kicker is reporting that Bayern would have to cough up €100 million to sign Leao from Milan. The Portuguese winger reportedly has a release clause worth €175 million. Die Roten have no plans to spend that kind of fee on one winger this summer.
Leao will add a lot of flair to Bayern’s attack
The Portuguese winger will be an astute signing for Bayern. On one flank, Michael Olise will provide ball retention and chance creation on the right flank. Meanwhile, Leao can be much more direct on the left flank and provide physical prowess to beat the defenders on the ground and in the air. His pace and trickery can help Bayern to isolate defenders and create space for other forwards. The Portuguese international is also productive in the final third, with 12 goals and nines assists across all competitions for Milan this season.
Leao is entering the prime years of his career, which makes him a perfect long-term signing for Bayern. Die Roten are looking to bring the average age of the attack for next season, an objective that can be certainly fulfilled by signing Leao.
The negotiations for Leao will be a big challenge for Bayern. AC Milan have appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach few days ago. If the Italian coach decides to keep Leao as one of the key members of the squad, Bayern will have to make an astronomical offer to change AC Milan’s stance on Leao’s future.
Bayern are also looking at other targets to strengthen the attack. They have a concrete interest in Premier League wingers Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Cody Gakpo (Liverpool). Die Roten have also been linked to Olise’s former teammate Eberechi Eze. Bayern are in no rush to sign a forward, and a transfer is likely to happen after the Club World Cup.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored