Daily Schmankerl: Chelsea reportedly near deal for Christian Pulisic; FC Barcelona in pursuit of Kai Havertz and Arne Maier; plus MORE!

Chelsea is reportedly close to a deal with Christian Pulisic (Daily Mail)

Reports out of England have Chelsea moving to sign Christian Pulisic as soon as the winter transfer window. Interestingly, any move for Pulisic could have a trickle down effect for Bayern Munich. Should Pulisic spurn Die Roten for Chelsea, the Premier League club’s own prized prospect, Callum Hudson-Odoi, could become available to Bayern.

As you can read below, the report from the Daily Mail seems fairly confident that Pulisic will take his game to Chelsea sooner rather than later.

Chelsea will bolster Maurizio Sarri’s squad by signing Borussia Dortmund wide player Christian Pulisic, although a fee still has to be agreed with the Bundesliga leaders. The 20-year-old American has indicated that he wants to join Chelsea in a deal worth around £60million next summer and it could be confirmed as early as next month. However, it will raise further doubts over the future of 18-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is being pursued by Bayern Munich and whose contract ends in 2020.

FC Barcelona making a push for German talent (Sport1)

We reported last week that Barca was allegedly chasing Bayer Leverkusen starlet Kai Havertz, but had ultimately received the cold shoulder as Havertz wants to remain in Germany. Havertz, it was said, specifically wants an opportunity to play for Bayern Munich.

Well, in addition to Havertz, Barcelona has been linked to Hertha Berlin youngster, Arne Maier, who has had a very solid season for Die Alte Dame.

With a view to finding a cheaper alternative to Ajax Amsterdam’s Frenkie de Jong, which half of Europe wants to sign up to, and which will therefore cost a lot, FC Barcelona has its sights set on the Bundesliga.

According to El Mundo deportivo from Barcelona, Leverkusen’s playmaker Kai Havertz and Arne Maier from Hertha BSC have made a special impression.

In the race for Havertz, the Catalans, however, have no hope. The national player has already decided for a future at Bayern.

The FC Bayern Frauen are on fire (@FCBayernUS)

The Frauen captured yet another victory as they downed MSV Duisburg 4-0. Lina Magull and Sara Däbritz each scored a goal, while Mandy Islacker had a brace. Manuela Zinsberger picked up the clean sheet for the win.

Rafinha reportedly drawing interest from China (kicker)

Rafinha, Bayern’s 33-year old Brazilian outside back, has been an invaluable backup over the past few seasons for Die Roten. Should the club decide to move on from him next summer, Rafinha will allegedly have suitors in China.

For the Brazilian, whose contract expires in the summer, there is apparently interest from China.

Looking to catch-up on the Bundesliga action from the weekend? I’ve got you covered (The Barrel)

For a capsule-style recap of the Bundesliga’s weekend fixtures, just click here.