Despite having a prolific attack this season, Bayern Munich are keen on adding more quality to their attack in the summer transfer window. They are specifically looking at adding another wide player on the left flank, who can rotate with Luis Diaz.
Nicolas Jackson will return to Chelsea at the end of the season as Bayern have no plans to sign the Senegalese striker on a permanent deal. Jackson’s departure certainly opens up a space in the attack. Despite Harry Kane’s incredible form over the last three seasons, it will be smart squad planning if they get a backup striker for him.
In a recent interview with Daily Arsenal, Eric Depolo, agent of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, confirmed Bayern’s interest in the forward. Arsenal are leading the race for Kofane, but the likes of Chelsea, Bayern, Barcelona, Newcastle United, Everton, and Brentford are also interested in the 19-year-old forward.
Despite Depolo’s comments on Bayern’s interest, Sky Sports in Germany have insisted that Bayern have no immediate plans to sign Kofane. Sky has also reported that Bayer Leverkusen want a fee in the region of €60-70 million for the young striker.
Kofane is enjoying a productive season at Bayer Leverkusen. He has made 38 appearances for Leverkusen this season, with 21 appearances coming off the bench. The teenager has scored seven goals, averaging a goal every 245 minutes, which is a healthy number for a young player. He also has four assists to his name this season.
Bayern unlikely to spend heavily on a back up striker
There is no doubt that Kofane is a terrific young talent. However, Bayern don’t want to spend heavily on a young striker who will come in as a back up to Kane. Moreover, Bayer Leverkusen are tough negotiators. They haggled over the early release of Jonathan Tah last summer. Die Roten had failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee with Leverkusen for Tah in 2024.
From Kofane’s point of view, he will be better suited staying at Leverkusen for at least one more season. The youngster needs regular game time to continue his development, which he will get at Bayer Leverkusen.
Serge Gnabry can play as a number nine whenever Kane needs rest or is injured. Bayern recently extended Gnabry’s contract as a reward for his good performances under Vincent Kompany this season. The priority for Bayern will be to sign a left-sided winger before thinking about a striker. Even in the case of a striker, they will look for a market opportunity rather than spending €60-70 million on a number nine.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored