Rummenigge talks Gnabry, Costa, Sanches, and More

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is not a man who minces words. In a press conference on Monday (via kicker), he gave answers about some issues that might interest the media and fans alike.

On Douglas Costa, who is rumored to be joining Italian Champions Juventus:

We are in talks with Juventus, but we do not yet have a deal today. I would call the talks positive and serious, but I cannot report it today. We are having the talks at his request.

On Serge Gnabry, who is rumored to be considering a loan to Hoffenhiem:

It is well known that Serge would like to be loaned a year in principle, which he personally told us, as well as his consultants. We will calmly evaluate the situation, while waiting to see what we might still do on the transfer market.

It is very interesting to hear that Gnabry asked for the loan himself, perhaps taking note of Bayern Munich’s ‘complicated’ winger-situation.

On Renato Sanches, who has been linked with a move away from the Bavarians after a disastrous first season:

He has not had an easy first year here. It's incredibly important for him to play with a certain continuity. When we have concluded our purchases, we will decide whether to leave him here or loan him out for a year. He urgently needs playing time after the last six months, which were not satisfactory for either party.

About Bayern’s dealings in the transfer market:

We will keep all options open until the last day, and we will continue to keep an eye on what is going on. [...] But I ask that you understand that I can not make our plans public. I do not want to talk about any rumor, that does not keep us going; it makes things more complicated and expensive.

Could a possible Alexis Sanchez deal still be on? Despite having purchased four players already, the Bavarians’ transfer dealings may not be over. Rummenigge makes mention of expensive and complicated signings, which might be alluding to something.

About rumored Bayern-target and current Schalke-midfielder Leon Goretzka, who has been the subject of much speculation over the last few weeks:

Everyone has seen that he played well. Above and beyond that, I can not make a serious statement today. When a player is under contract at another club, I do not want to cause any external unrest for them. The player has to decide whether he wants to stay with Schalke or change, and then, where to. Nothing has been decided.

Along with this, the Bayern chairman also talked about certain miscellaneous things such as the upcoming tour of Asia, comments made by star striker Robert Lewandowski, and the ongoing discussions with local ‘rivals’ 1860 Munich about the status of the Allianz Arena.

Rummenigge confirmed that a solution has been agreed; 1860 will move out of the Arena, and only a signature is needed. For most Bayern fans, it is safe to assume that the signature can’t come soon enough.