Things are not moving in the right direction for Bayern Munich in the transfer market. After missing out on Florian Wirtz early in June, Bayern have faced disappointment with every deal they have pursued to strengthen their attack.
The latest setback arrived over the weekend. According to Fabrice Hawkins from RMC and The Athletic, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. Gittens had emerged as a target for Bayern in the last couple of weeks after deals for Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola looked unlikely.
According to SportBild (via iMiaSanMia), Max Eberl had touched base with Gittens to register Bayern’s interest in him. However, the English winger was giving priority to Chelsea. The London-based club had agreed a seven-year contract with Gittens. They have agreed a fee worth in excess of £50 million for the 20-year-old forward.
Gittens had been linked with Bayern at various junctures during the season. However, other forwards moved ahead of him on the transfer list. Die Roten tried to hijack the deal once they couldn’t find a breakthrough in other transfers, but Chelsea had done enough work to clinch the signing of Gittens.
The Bundesliga champions also offered a contract to Nico Williams. However, the Spaniard wants to join FC Barcelona if he leaves Athletic Bilbao this summer. Paris Saint-Germain are not in the mood to entertain offers for Bradley Barcola in this window. The French winger is also content with life in Paris.
Bayern focussing on getting Woltemade
After several disappointments in the process of finding a new winger, Bayern have turned their attention to completing the signing of Woltemade. The 23-year-old German forward primarily plays as a striker, but he can also play behind the striker and provide cover on the flanks.
Die Roten will soon make an opening offer for Woltemade. There is no certainty that this transfer will go through as VfB Stuttgart are reportedly looking for a fee close to €100 million for the young German forward. Bayern value him at €50 million, which suggests the negotiations for this deal will be tough and complex.
Bayern are also considering the possibility of not signing a winger this summer if they clinch the signing of Woltemade. They will rely on Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry to step up next season. There is also potentially an opportunity for Paul Wanner to stay at the club instead of going out on loan if Die Roten don’t sign a new winger.