Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga fairly comfortably last season but their relatively premature exit from the Champions League led critics to claim they underachieved. The Bavarian club have already started their transfer activity this summer and a long list of targets have been drawn up by the board and coach.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s side wrapped up a fifth consecutive Bundesliga title at the end of May, complete with a tearful goodbye to Xabi Alonso and Phillip Lahm – both of whom announced their retirement plans during the course of the season.
The club have moved quickly to appoint former player Willy Sagnol as assistant to Ancelotti and all eyes now turn to transfer activity. It was widely regarded as an underwhelming season for the German giants and fresh blood is required to breathe some life into the squad.
Serge Gnabry is the first through the door. The 21-year-old former Arsenal prodigy had an outstanding season for Werder Bremen, scoring 11 times in 23 starts and helping to fire Alexander Nouri’s side to an eighth-placed finish. Bayern paid €10 million to secure his services.
Corentin Tolisso’s name has been linked with a number of top European clubs this summer, with the Lyon star likely to move away from Ligue 1. Bayern look set to beat numerous rivals to the midfielder’s signature in a deal worth around €40 million. Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus are also believed to be monitori22-year-oldear old closely. He scored 14 goals and claimed seven assists last season.
Alexis Sanchez is another name linked with a move to the Allianz Arena. The skilful Chilean was Arsenal’s standout performer last season but is believed to be interested in a move to the Bundesliga. An offer of €40 million is likely to tabled as Bayern attempt to persuade the North London club into parting with their prize asset. Sanchez has also been linked with Manchester City but his manager Arsene Wenger isn’t keen to sell his star to a Premier League rival.
If a deal for Sanchez can be completed, it would likely increase Bayern’s dominance in the German top flight; they’ve already been priced up at 1/7 favourites in the Bundesliga betting to wrap up a sixth consecutive title.
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Other players who have been linked to the club in recent weeks include Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and PSG’s Marco Verratti. James Rodriguez is also believed to be on their wishlist but a deal for the Colombian is unlikely to materialise.
It isn’t just arrivals at the Allianz Arena; winger Douglas Costa is close to agreeing a deal with Juventus. The Brazilian has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs this summer but is believed to be keen on a move to the Serie A champions. The deal could net the club around €50 million.
Robert Lewandowski has been linked with a shock move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, although any deal would depend on Karim Benzema leaving Los Blancos.
It’s set to be a busy couple of months at Bayern as they aim to put a relatively disappointing campaign behind them. There could be some exciting arrivals at the Allianz Arena, joining Carlo Ancelotti’s already impressive squad, and the fans cannot wait for the new Bundesliga season to begin.
