Bayern Munich had a mixed start to the transfer window. They have managed to fend off interest from FC Barcelona to sign Jonathan Tah on a free transfer. The German defender completed a move to Bayern on Thursday.
However, Bayern had to taste defeat in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The German attacking midfielder was the top summer transfer target for Die Roten. They held positive talks with Wirtz, but Liverpool managed to convince the German international to move to the Premier League.
Wirtz has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool. The Premier League champions have opened talks with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a transfer fee. Bayern will have to look elsewhere to strengthen the attack.
It does look like Bayern will go for a wide player instead of looking for a versatile forward like Wirtz. In his column for Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus has urged his club to look into a deal to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan. The Portuguese winger is expected to leave Serie A this summer.
Despite AC Milan’s poor campaign, Leao has managed to post good numbers in the final third. The Portuguese winger has 13 goals and nine assists across all competitions for AC Milan. Since Leao is entering the prime of his career, Bayern can certainly consider him as a long-term signing.
"I believe FC Bayern needs a breath of fresh air on the left wing. Rafael Leão would be a good solution. The Portuguese international mostly played on the left wing for Milan, but he can also play as a center forward, which would be important, as Bayern needs a backup for Kane when he needs a break."Lothar Matthays
Matthaus wants Bayern to keep Leroy Sane
Apart from signing Leao, Matthaus also wants Bayern to reach an agreement with Leroy Sane for a new deal. The German winger has one month left on his current deal. His participation in the Club World Cup could be in doubt if Rekordmeister are not able to agree on a new deal with him over the next few days.
Sane came close to signing a new deal at Bayern earlier this month. However, the German international switched his agents at the last moment, which ensured a fresh round of talks was needed. Sane has rejected Die Roten’s current proposal. Pini Zahavi is currently representing Sane and holding talks with Max Eberl over a new deal.
The 29-year-old winger enjoyed his best Bundesliga campaign under Vincent Kompany. He has been in fine form for Bayern during the second half of the season. With Kingsley Coman looking to leave Bayern and Thomas Muller already confirming his departure, Die Roten would like to keep Sane in the squad for next season. The next few days are decisive as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur register interest in signing Sane on a free transfer.