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Chelsea, Manchester United could tempt Arturo Vidal away from Bayern Munich this summer

The Premier League giants are prepared to pay up for Vidal.

VfB Stuttgart v FC Bayern Muenchen - Bundesliga Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images

Arturo Vidal has only one year left on his current contract with Bayern Munich, and talks of a potential extension have not yet taken place. The Chilean international has enjoyed a resurgence this season for Bayern after Jupp Heynckes took charge and has tallied 5 goals and 2 assists from 25 appearances across all competitions—the majority of them after Heynckes took the helm.

Vidal’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Uncertainty over his future with Bayern has made him a top prospect for both Chelsea and Manchester United for this summer’s transfer window. Both clubs are prepared to pay considerable fees to acquire the Chilean’s services. A move to Chelsea in particular would see him reunited with Antonio Conte, under whom he played at Juventus.

Chilean journalist Maks Cardenas (via Calcio Mercato) confirmed the interest of both Premier League clubs earlier this week:

Arturo Vidal will stay at Bayern Munich for the remainder of the season. He will have an year more on his contract in June 2018. He has offers from Italy and China. Chelsea and Manchester United also interested.

Increased plausibility after the Goretzka deal

Though Jupp Heynckes has said that Vidal should stay with Bayern beyond next summer, the arrival of Leon Goretzka from Schalke makes a move to the Premier League much more plausible for Vidal. Bild even report that Bayern has already given the Chilean permission to leave this summer, if he were to choose to do so:

After Leon Goretzka’s signing, Vidal’s departure seems plausible. According to BILD’s information, the German record champion has already granted him permission to transfer for the summer transfer window. Vidal’s contract with Bayern runs until 2019. Chelsea and Inter Milan are also interested in him.

With Corentin Tolisso, Thiago, and Sebastian Rudy (in addition to Goretzka) also in the mix in Bayern’s midfield, the increased competition for minutes could be a contributing factor in Vidal’s ultimate decision.

It also looks increasingly likely that Bayern will have a new manager by the summer. Jupp Heynckes has been insistent that he will not stay on despite a heavy push from both Bayern’s front office and players. Vidal is clearly in favor under Heynckes, but that might not be the case under a new manager. For the time being, Thomas Tuchel appears to be the most promising candidate.

The time thus may be right for all parties involved—the club, the player, and the team—if Vidal bids Bayern farewell.

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