Bundesliga-related Transfer Rumblings and Grumblings
It's an active time of year for news and rumors; below are are some quick hit updates, news, or rumors of transfer possibilities coming into, going out of, or remaining in the Bundesliga...buckle up:
Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng, Borussia Dortmund: The flighty Dortmund striker is heavily rumored to be heading to Arsenal to provide some spark for a lineup looking for a scoring punch after the loss of Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United). There is still an outside chance Aubameyang heads to a huge payday in the Chinese Super League to rack up a ton of meaningless goals. Status: Stay tuned.
Olivier Giroud, Arsenal: Part of the potential fallout from a potential Aubameyang move to Arsenal would be a move by Giroud to Dortmund. The move would make sense for both parties at this stage. While Giroud has his detractors, a move to Dortmund would give him a fresh start and potentially give Dortmund a reinvigorated attack. Status: Waiting for the other show to drop.
Julian Brandt, Bayer Leverkusen: Long considered a target of Bayern Munich, Julian Brandt will not join Bayern in the summer per reports. It looks like Brandt will extend his contract at Leverkusen and cancel his €12.5m release clause. Status: Looks like a done deal.
Julian Draxler, Paris Saint Germain: Draxler has been rumored to be on his way out of Ligue 1 almost since joining PSG back in 2016 after a tumultuous exit from Wolfsburg. While Draxler has been linked to Bayern Munich, he's also drawn significant interest from the Gunners. Draxler would seemingly fill the needs for a WOTF (winger of the future) for Bayern with both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery entering the twilight of their respective careers. If Draxler ends up in Munich, coupled with a return by Hoffenheim loanee Serge Gnabry (who would need to reign in his game to be a fit in Munich) would give Bayern a solid plan for its post "Robbery" playing days. Status: Up in the Air.
Gareth Bale, Real Madrid: As masterfully chided, by my compatriot at Bavarian Football Works John N. Dillon, it seems a bit laughable to think Bayern Munich would throw its hat in the ring for the Welshman. Bale is a superior talent for sure, but to think Bayern would be ready to pony up €100 million seems a bit....premature? Crazy? Status: Doubtful.
Arturo Vidal, Bayern Munich: After Bayern Munich signed Leon Goretzka, the focus immediately shifted on Bayern's most comparable player, Arturo Vidal. Antonio Conte and Chelsea appear to be hot and bothered for Vidal, who has played coy thus far. Bayern has already declared Vidal is not going anywhere this season, but as for the future, it does appear Vidal could be looking at option in the Premier League or Serie A (Inter Milan?). That said, Vidal is still a powerful component of the Bayern machine that has eyes on another treble. He's likely not going any where now, but a future move appears very likely. Status: The summer wind came blowin' in from across the sea...
Thiago Alcantara, Bayern Munich: The injured Alcantara is not going anywhere this Winter, but the midfield is getting awfully crowded in Munich and the whispers out of Barcelona have already started. A return to Barcelona would make sense for both parties, but Thiago is still such a creative force, it's hard to imagine Bayern would let him go. Status: Unclear.
Julian Weigl, Borussia Dortmund: Weigl is considered a target for Manchester United, but it's not clear whether United still has the desire after dumping truckloads of cash at Alexis Sanchez. Weigl could fill a void for Jose Mourinho, but Weigl's dismissal would also signal throwing in the proverbial towel for Dortmund on this season. Perhaps Dortmund does need to sweep out as many of its assets and look for a re-build at this stage, but Weigl still holds value on a number of levels for the Black and Yellows. Status: Questionable at best.
Philipp Max, Augsburg: Max is still considered a transfer target for Premier League sides such as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester United. Certainly all of those teams present Max with an upgrade on level of play - while also guaranteeing an influx of transfer cash to Augsburg. This one seems more like a matter of when and not if. Status: Likely getting out of Dodge.
