Bayern Munich have set their sights on the Premier League as they look to bolster the left flank this summer.
There is said to have been contact with Gabriel Martinelli’s management. The 24-year-old, whose contract expires in 2027, has a market value of €55m [£47.1m].
What’s interesting is that this isn’t the first time the Arsenal winger’s name has come up at Säbener Straße. Former FC Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel had already discussed Martinelli during his time in Munich.
The Gunners star registered 16 goal contributions (10 goals, six assists) in 51 appearances (across all competitions) in the 2024/25 season.
Bayern also tracking Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz makes heart gesture with his hands.
(Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo isn’t the only name at Liverpool FC that has caught the eye of Bayern’s recruitment team.
Director of sport Max Eberl has now turned his gaze to another one of Arne Slot’s superstars: Colombian left winger Luis Diaz.
The opportunity to sign the former FC Porto star arose because Real Madrid have decided not to sell Rodrygo.
New coach Xabi Alonso does not want to sell the Brazilian. Previously, Diaz had actually already reached a preliminary agreement with Los Blancos. Now, Bayern are suddenly in the game!
Diaz or Martinelli?
The appeal of Luis Diaz is obvious. The 28-year-old is in his peak years and is coming off the back of a phenomenal individual campaign, helping Liverpool lift their second Premier League title in five years.
Martinelli didn’t quite manage to kick on last term. In fact, his performance levels dipped in the English top-flight by comparison to the 2023/24 campaign.
Players Average Sofascore rating (Premier League) xG xA Big chances created Successful dribbles (per game)
Luis Diaz 7.23 12.02 4.46 8 1.5 (51%)
Gabriel Martinelli 6.96 7.41 4.66 7 1 (35.5%)
* Stats for the 2024/25 season, courtesy of Sofascore
However, at 24 years of age, there is plenty of hope that this is a talent that can still be nurtured.
The question for FC Bayern is whether they would be prepared to take a risk given Diaz looks ready to hit the ground running in the Bundesliga.
Cody Gakpo is still of interest to Max Eberl
Bayern have not forgotten about Gakpo. The Dutch international is understood to be firmly in Eberl’s sights once again!
There has recently been contact with the versatile attacker’s entourage. However, there is a rather significant hitch in any plan to bring Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz to the Allianz Arena.
From FC Bayern’s point of view, they don’t want to help finance Liverpool’s mega-deal (€135.3m total package, including add-ons [£116m]) for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
It would take a big deal to prise either winger away from Merseyside this summer.
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