Bayern to take run at Koné? (Anfield Index)
Manu Koné was an absolute machine in the midfield for France during the World Cup, and performances like that might have rekindled Bayern Munich’s interest in the AS Roma star:
Liverpool are already shaping their thinking for the January window, and one midfield name has reappeared on the radar, Manu Kone. According to Calciomercato, Bayern Munich are now tracking the Roma midfielder closely, adding another heavyweight to a situation that may yet develop quickly.
There has been prior interest from Liverpool in the France international and that background matters. Clubs do not tend to revisit profiles unless the fit still makes sense, and Kone clearly ticks a number of boxes. At 25, he sits in that useful bracket between development and ready-made quality, while his role under Gian Piero Gasperini has underlined both his reliability and his tactical value.
No doubt Koné is a very solid player, but Bayern Munich is not expected to be active in January. That should leave Liverpool a window to make a move if it is ready to launch a pursuit.
Chelsea watching Wirtz from afar (TEAMtalk)
If there is one guy who can help unlock Florian Wirtz, it might be his old boss at Bayer Leverkusen — Xabi Alonso, who is the manager at Chelsea:
Chelsea are keeping a close watch on Florian Wirtz’s situation at Liverpool after Xabi Alonso advised the club’s hierarchy that they should be in the conversation if the Germany international becomes available next summer, TEAMtalk understands.
The Blues are not actively pursuing the 23-year-old at this stage, but TEAMtalk has been told they have established a ‘watching brief’ on his situation as uncertainty grows over how his move to Anfield will develop.
Wirtz could definitely use a change of scenery, but it seems doubtful that Liverpool is ready to part ways at this stage.
Gunners want Prescott (TEAMtalk)
Arsenal could be looking to bring in Bayern Munich goalkeeper prospect Leonard Prescott:
Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Leonard Prescott’s situation at Bayern Munich, TEAMtalk can confirm, with the Gunners considering a move for one of Germany’s most highly-rated young talents.
The American-born goalkeeper, 17, is regarded as a generational talent in Germany after progressing through Bayern’s academy, but uncertainty over his future has alerted a growing number of clubs across Europe.
TEAMtalk understands that Prescott’s contract expires at the end of the season, with Bayern currently struggling to agree fresh terms with the teenager and his representatives.
A key issue appears to be the difficulty Prescott’s camp sees in identifying a clear route to regular first-team opportunities in Munich. Despite his considerable potential, the competition for places at Bayern presents a significant challenge as he considers the next stage of his development.
Prescott’s situation is tough. Jonas Urbig is slotted to take over for Manuel Neuer and, if he sticks, could be a fixture for Bayern Munich for at least the next decade. A move to Arsenal would not be the worst thing for Prescott, but he might want to make sure that there is a long-term pathway to playing time for him.
Surely, Bayern Munich would not want to lose Prescott, but there is likely not much the Bavarians can do to retain him at this point.
Bayern linked to Espart (ESPN)
In an odd twist of events, Bayern Munich is one of the clubs linked to FC Barcelona right-back Xavi Espart, who scored vs. Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week:
Barcelona have ruled out a January exit for versatile youngster Xavi Espart, per TEAMtalk. Despite heavy interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, PSG and Bayern Munich, a fresh contract for the 19-year-old through 2030 has secured his long-term future at Camp Nou. Espart is a natural midfielder but has been deployed as a full back on either side this season as he made the breakthrough into the first XI.
Given Bayern Munich’s recent problems at right-back, it is not totally shocking to think that the Bavarians might be monitoring the market.
Leipzig to keep Gruda (Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze)
RB Leipzig might have found one of its “core players” who can be a long-term part of the squad:
RBLeipzig: The obligation to buy Brajan Gruda (~€25m) will be triggered during the second half of the season, and the activation of the purchase option for Neil El Aynaoui (~€25m) is also considered likely. The entire club is raving about the Moroccan – on and off the pitch. If that continues, both players will cost around €50m in total next summer. Follow-up contracts have already been negotiated.
Keeping Gruda is a solid move for RB Leipzig, as the young German has been great so far this season.
Spurs seeking to put prospect on pathway for success to avoid Bayern interest (The Hard Tackle)
Tottenham Hotspur wants to avoid Bayern Munich getting its clutches on Luca Williams-Barnett:
Tottenham are preparing a January loan move for academy prospect Luca Williams-Barnett to fast-track his development amid interest from Bayern Munich.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham are eager to develop Luca Williams-Barnett, with the teenager’s future a major topic of discussion behind the scenes. Luca Williams-Barnett is currently viewed as one of Tottenham’s top prospects for the future, with the club prioritising ways to support his development.
Luca Williams-Barnett is not receiving enough first-team opportunities at present, which has led to Tottenham considering a loan move ahead of the January transfer window. While several big clubs are reportedly keen to sign him permanently, Spurs are determined to retain Williams-Barnett and have rejected permanent departures at this stage.
Roberto De Zerbi gave him significant playing time against Sydney FC, Auckland FC, and MK Dons during pre-season. The teenager made his club debut last season in an EFL Cup third-round clash against Doncaster, while this term he has appeared in cup competitions against Charlton, coming on as a substitute on both occasions.
Tottenham are aware of the growing market interest in the 18-year-old, but they have no plans to sell him. Recent reports have stated that Spurs are ready to offer Williams-Barnett a new contract amid links with Bayern Munich. Bayern’s pull as a European heavyweight presents a competitive threat to Tottenham’s retention plans. Spurs are keen to keep Williams-Barnett away from such interest and secure his long-term future.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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