Bayern Munich are prepared to reach deep into their pockets in order to lure Declan Rice away from West Ham this summer.
After winning an eleventh-consecutive Bundesliga, you would think that Bayern would be happy. However, 2022/23 was a season of disjointed management that is unlike the German side.
A managerial change from Julian Nagelsmann to Thomas Tuchel midway through the campaign initially looked like it had backfired. During his first few games in charge, Tuchel saw his side eliminated from the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League.
Things then went from bad to worse as Dortmund appeared set to take the Bundesliga title. But following some last-day drama, Bayern snatched the Meisterschale from their Der Klassiker foes.
This did not stop the disruption behind the scenes, though. At the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Bayern dismissed club directors Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic. Meanwhile, Tuchel will reportedly lead the Bundesliga giants into next season.
He wants to do this with a squad suited to his style. Therefore, Bayern have identified numerous stars that they want to bring to Germany – including Declan Rice.
Declan Rice – new Bayern midfielder?
Reports from The Mirror claim that the Bavarians may spend big to land the England International. Bayern could offer £95m for Declan Rice – breaking their current record transfer.
Of course, they do face stiff competition for the West Ham star’s signature. For example, rumours linking Rice to Arsenal have increased in the past few weeks.
Yet for now Declan Rice is focused on a Europa Conference League Final that could deliver silverware to West Ham. He told Sky Sports that his future is not at the forefront of his mind right now.
“I’ve not really focused on any of that, to be honest,” said Rice. “My main focus this season, from the World Cup onwards, has been getting out of a relegation battle and, of course, having one eye on winning the Conference League.
“Everything else is just noise and speculation. Obviously, I can’t help that, it comes with playing. But my main focus is playing for West Ham and winning this final.”
With Konrad Laimer already on the way, adding Declan Rice would be another step in revamping the Bayern midfield.
Thomas Tuchel is also after some reinforcements in the attacking third.
Bavarians join Dusan Vlahovic chase
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is on the shortlist of numerous European giants, Bayern included.
Vlahovic could be on the move following the Bianconeri’s point deduction and subsequent failure to reach the UCL spots.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Bayern Munich manager is a fan of the Serbian forward. However, Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Man United are keeping tabs on Vlahovic as well.
Elsewhere, one player that the Bavarians will not keep is Joao Cancelo. The defender had been on loan from Man City since January, but Bayern have not triggered his £60m+ release clause. Cancelo has thus returned to the Etihad.
The likes of Sadio Mane and Ryan Gravenberch are also the subject of frequent speculation to leave Bayern. Even Joshua Kimmich – a stalwart of the club system – has been linked with a move to Man City or Barcelona.
There is clearly a very busy summer ahead at the Allianz Arena.
Featured image credit: Getty
