Man City will have less competition for FC Cologne winger Said El Mala if Serge Gnabry signs a new contract with Bayern Munich, according to reports in Germany.
Writing on his CF Bayern Insider website, journalist Christian Falk said a move for a “new winger” is likely to be dependent on whether the former Arsenal forward stays at the Allianz Arena beyond the end of this season.
El Mala is set to be sold by FC Cologne next summer, and his price tag has reportedly been set between the £30m and £35m mark.
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Bayern would probably be favourites to secure his signature if they stay in the race, but City are very much in the mix as well.
Scouts have been watching El Mala closely
Falk has confirmed reports from Sky Sports Germany that the Cityzens have been sending observers to see the 19-year-old in action over the past few months.
Manager Pep Guardiola is said to be particularly enamoured by El Mala, having watched several videos of his performances since the beginning of the campaign.
Man City will also have competition from other teams
Bayern are among a long list of potential rivals for El Mala’s services. Falk mentions Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona as other possible suitors, but there have also been reports linking the player with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Manchester United.
The forward’s availability for what many will feel is a reasonable price means that clubs are unlikely to cool their interest between now and next summer.
Even so, Bayern do tend to have a considerable hold over German players. It means their decision on whether they should pursue El Mala next year could prove decisive on where the teenager ultimately ends up.
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