Daily Schmankerl: Arp to Celtic?!?; Morata’s future; Barca swiping right on Alaba; and MORE!

Celtic linked to Jann-Fiete Arp (Derry Journal)

Mon the Hoops! Despite numerous reports linking Bayern Munich to Jann-Fiete Arp, the Scottish powerhouse is allegedly making a move for the Hamburger SV starlet.

Celtic have been credited with an interest in Hamburg forward Jann-Fiete Arp. The 18-year-old striker is understood to be keen on a move to Parkhead. Arp’s first team chances were limited last season but he still made 18 appearances, scoring twice and the team statistically performed better with him in the side. In the games Arp played in, Hamburg had more average shots per game, more average goals per game and average points gained also increased.

Arp is a phenom and right now, he’s cheap. If Arp does sign with Bayern, the young talent could do a lot worse than a loan stint at Celtic while Robert Lewandowski plays out his contract.

Just sayin’...

Alvaro Morata is still linked to Bayern Munich (Cadena SER)

Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata looks like he’s headed out of town and Bayern has, again, been listed as one of his potential destinations.

The future of Álvaro Morata is far from Stamford Bridge. According to El Larguero of Cadena SER, the Madrid striker wants to leave Chelsea after a year with the London team. After a year that went from more to less, Morata does not want to continue at Chelsea, a team that will not play in the Champions League next season.

Morata is one of many offensively skilled players on Chelsea’s roster, which is a bit top heavy and could use some shuffling to rejuvenate the roster. A move to showcase his skills elsewhere would probably be in his best interest.

Bayern Munich, PSG, Juventus, Inter or Milan are interested in the center-forward. There is also the option of returning to Spain, a country that obviously enjoys a good reputation.

With Chelsea not in the Champions League next season, it is even more incentive for Morata to skip town. Bayern, however, does not seem like a serious contender at this point. An Italian side like the Old Lady, Inter Milan, or AC Milan would seem like a more natural fit.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Barcelona still chasing David Alaba (Kicker)

The value of a player like David Alaba would be great for any team, but for a deep and talented side like Barcelona, it could mean the difference between a Champions League crown and another early (and embarrassing) exit. So once again, Leo Messi’s squad is chasing Alaba.

The Austrian, who has played for Bayern since 2008—with the exception of a stint at 1899 Hoffenheim in the second half of the 2010/11 season—is in the sights of FC Barcelona. But like Lewandowski, the 25-year-old is bound to the German record champion until 2021, which will also put a stop to Alaba’s premature departure.

It is highly unlikely Bayern leadership would allow Alaba to bolt, especially because Juan Bernat is allegedly on his way out the door and Marco Friedl is on a loan stint with Werder Bremen. Friedl, for what it’s worth, was impressive during his time on the field (Ed note. - At least in my opinion) for a Werder Bremen side that improved a lot in the second half of the season.

Bastian Schweinsteiger remembers the good times...(@BSchweinsteiger)

...and so does Philipp Lahm (@philipplahm)