Bayern Munich are one of the big clubs that are going to be busy in the winter transfer window. The Bavarian club is specifically focussing on strengthening the options in defense since they will be short in numbers when players leave for the AFCON and Asian Cup in January. Bayern have to be creative to strengthen this area since clubs are reluctant to sell quality players midway through the season.
The record Bundesliga champions are specifically looking for a versatile defender. They lost Benjamin Pavard in the summer to Inter Milan. He was able to play in central defense and right-back at a very good level. Christoph Freund and Thomas Tuchel are probably looking for a player with a similar profile.
According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), Girona’s versatile defender Arnau Martinez is being keenly followed by Die Roten. The Spaniard has primarily played in the right-back position for Girona, but he can do a job in central defense. Martinez is just 20, so he also fits Die Roten’s long-term plans.
It remains to be seen how concrete Die Roten’s interest is in Martinez when it comes to making a move in January. The Bundesliga club is definitely keeping an eye on the Spanish market to address the defensive department of the squad.
Martinez has played regularly for Girona this season as they lead the La Liga points table. The youngster has two assists to his name in La Liga this campaign. It just looks like a matter of time before he gets a call-up for the national team. Martinez would be a much better signing for Die Roten in the long term than someone like Raphael Varane from Manchester United.
Bayern will not have a significant budget for the winter transfer window. They will have to be smart and shrewd in terms of finding the right profiles that also align with their long-term plans. Girona are currently in the title race, so they will look to keep Arnau at least until the end of the season.
Along with strengthening defense, Rekordmeister will also look to add a midfielder to the squad in January. They tried to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham on the deadline day, but the move collapsed at the last minute. It remains to be seen if they will go back for him in January. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is also reportedly on the list of midfield targets for Rekordmeister.
In terms of departures, Bayern could be open to the departure of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. His contract at Die Roten comes to an end in the summer, so January will be the last opportunity for them to get a fee for him. Bouna Sarr will be on the list of departures at Bayern if a good offer arrives.