Daily Schmankerl: Barcelona opens door for Thiago and...Neymar to return; Christian Pulisic to Chelsea?; Arturo Vidal back to Juve?; and MORE!

Arjen Robben was on the Hot Seat! (FCBayern You Tube)

Kids are incredibly frank and can make even the most stern adults crack a smile with their questions. The Bayern Munich Kids Club took to the microphone and put Dutch legend Arjen Robben under the microscope by grilling him with questions.

Always a good sport with today’s youth, Robben obliged and tried his best not to wilt under the pressure.

Chelsea hot for Christian Pulisic (Daily Mail)

Chelsea wants to make a quick move for USMNT star and Borussia Dortmund man, Christian Pulisic.

Chelsea look to have won the battle to sign 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund prospect Christian Pulisic. The American-born winger, who stood out for his country against England on Thursday night, is out of contract in 2020 and Dortmund have now accepted they must cash in on him at the end of this season – having previously attempted to open contract negotiations.

Chelsea, however, are in a hurry and will push for the deal to be done in January – particularly with the threat of a transfer ban from FIFA looming, over their alleged recruitment of under-age players.

Did Barcelona open the door for returns by Thiago Alcantara and Neymar? (Sport 1)

Per a report by Sport1, FC Barcelona could be preparing itself for some major moves over the summer. Barca is open to bringing back the likes of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich and Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. Whether Bayern or PSG would oblige is a whole separate question.

“Thiago or nothing!” With this meanwhile winged word demanded Pep Guardiola 2013 the purchase of Barcelona’s own plant Thiago Alcantara. The change was a big blow to the self-image of FC Barcelona. Just as tough 2017 was the change from Neymar for the record amount of 222 million euros to Paris St. Germain.

These two would never again wear the jersey of the Catalans, the responsible persons stated. But now sporting director Pep Segura has opened a back door for Thiago and Neymar. “As I’ve said before, any young player who leaves for financial reasons will not come back, we stick to that, but it’s different for finished players - players we have to weigh in terms of the market, which is best for us,” he told radio station Cadena Ser regarding the duo.

Is Barcelona subsequently ready to unload Arturo Vidal ? (Sport 1)

Arturo Vidal has not exactly become a favorite of Ernesto Valverde at Barca and speculation is building that the club could let the Chilean go to Juventus during the winter transfer window.

Juventus could recover Arturo Vidal in winter. The Chilean was already in the service of Bianconeri from 2011 to 2015 and won four Scudetti. This would Vidal a potential replacement for the German international Emre Can, whose return after his thyroid surgery is still open. Currently, 31-year-old is under contract at FC Barcelona, but was so far only in two of twelve league games in the starting lineup.

Florian Thauvin again mentioned as Bayern target (La Phoceen)

Florian Thauvin was once again listed among the players Bayern could pursue.

The German sports daily (Bild) lists 10 players who could revive Bayern Munich. In the wing positions, where Ribéry and Robben are judged on the decline and on the start, we find Nicolas Pépé (Lille), Nabil Fékir (Lyon), Leon Bailey (Leverkusen), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Ante Rebic ( Frankfurt), Christian Pulisic (Dortmund) and Florian Thauvin (OM).

La Phoceen offered up that it will take 80M (!?) to sign Thauvin.

Florian Thauvin (25) could see his status evolve on the transfer market in the coming months. If he does not leave this winter, the World Champion should see some doors open next summer. But to recruit the Olympian, under contract for 3 more years in Marseille, it will be necessary to release a very big check, probably around 80 million euros.

A call for fan groups (BavarianFootballWorks.com)

We are trying something here at the Daily Schmankerl and need YOUR help. If you read my man Tommy Adams’ piece about his experience with the FCBNYC Fan Club (if you haven’t, SHAME ON YOU!), you could see how great the event was. So we want to highlight some of these wonderful groups that are out there globally and this is what we need from you:

• Name of the group
• Location
• Year founded
• Leadership (if you have people are kind of running the show)
• Meeting place
• Social media handles
• Pictures

We want to be able to feature a different fan group every week this season. Maybe we can do it, maybe not...but only YOU can help decide the fate of this idea. Send your info to: barrelsportsblog@gmail.com