Daily Schmankerl: rumored roster overhaul for Bayern Munich; Arp recognized; Robben and Ribery stay busy

Bayern Munich’s offseason shuffle could be crazy (CalcioMercato.com)

Italian outlet CalcioMercato.com has some “insight” on the future plans of Bayern Munich, including possible exits for Juan Bernat, Sebastian Rudy, Jerome Boateng, Arturo Vidal, and Robert Lewandowski and potential additions of Paulo Dybala, Antoine Greizmann, and Anthony Martial:

In addition to Goretzka, who will arrive on a free transfer from Schalke, [Karl-Heinz] Rummenigge has set his sights on Dybala, Griezmann, and Martial . . . One comes, one goes. Among the outgoing players: Bernat, who has offers from Spain; Boateng, who has publicly admitted his desire for a chance of scenery, and Rudy, a utility man able to play in defense or the midfield, who was tracked in the past by AC Milan and Lazio. Also, watch the situations Vidal and Lewandowski: the Chilean and ex-Juventus player was not offered a contract renewal, expiring in 2019. Lewandowski has not been put on the market, but has offers from the big English and Spanish clubs, which is why a farewell cannot be ruled out.

That would seem like A LOT of change for a team that just made the Champions League semifinal; and also a A LOT of high-priced additions. Certainly, Bernat will leave; Vidal and Rudy are popular targets by other clubs; and both Boateng and Lewandowski have been linked to a future elsewhere. But it is hard to think they ALL go and the Bayern brass breaks the bank for Dybala, Greizmann, and Martial.

Running tally of Bayern additions from this Schmankerl: Griezmann, Dybala, and Martial

Alleged Bayern target, Malcom, “dreams” of Munich (Bild)

Bordeaux winger Malcom and team president Stephane Martin sat down for an interview with Bild that was, well, a little odd:

A denial (from Bayern) means little at the present time. First, in my opinion, it would not send an appropriate message to the current players. Second, you would be informing other clubs of your future plans at a very early date. Malcom can keep on dreaming of Bayern.

What made the situation even weirder, Malcom’s response:

I agree with Mr. Martin.

In response to the rumored—but subsequently shot down by Bayern—contract agreement for Malcom, the Brazilian indicated that his agents don’t communicate such information to him . . . you know, details about major career moves:

I don’t know, my advisors and I didn’t talk about it. But if it’s true, it makes me very happy. Bavaria is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

It’s safe to say in conclusion that Malcom’s agents are really, really good—or really, really bad.

Running tally of Bayern additions from this Schmankerl: Griezmann, Dybala, Martial, and Malcom

Because you all love it, MOAR BALE (Unibet)

Back by popular demand, more Gareth Bale to Bayern rumors and rationale behind it!!!

Bayern do appear a quite good fit for Bale should he really now have decided to consider other options. If he were actually keen to return to the Premier League he surely would have already, but all Mourinho’s sweet nothings last summer came to naught. The serial Bundesliga winners are maybe the closest club to Madrid in terms of status and potential anywhere in Europe, and there is also the connection of Bale being one of Adidas’ premier stars.

Taking the road from the Bernabeu to Bavaria has also worked out well previously, most recently for James last summer, and back to Arjen Robben in 2009. The Robben example is especially interesting - as a player very injury prone in his 20s who has played more regularly later in his career. But now at 34 and out of contract in the summer, the Dutchman might need replacing.

Running tally of Bayern additions from this Schmankerl: Griezmann, Dybala, Martial, Malcom, and Bale . . . (is anyone actually returning to Bayern next season?)

Jann-Fiete Arp is among the Bundesliga’s top 5 breakthrough teenagers in 2017/18 (Bundesliga.com)

Yet another player on the target list for Bayern is Arp, the Hamburger SV young gun, who was recognized by Bundesliga.com as a breakthrough teenager for this season.

At just 17, he became the first player born after the year 2000 to play in the Bundesliga when he made his debut on Matchday 7 against Werder Bremen and also the first millennial to score in Germany’s top flight when he found the net against Hertha Berlin on Matchday 10. He mas made 18 league appearances this term (eight starts) and scored two goals - all of which while juggling his academic commitments as he finishes school. Freed of such restraints next season, the 6’2”, quick-footed forward will be an evern more terrifying prospect. “The lad’s got everything, really everything,” said Germany Under-21 coach and former Hamburg legend Horst Hrubesch. “I’ve rarely seen a player who can score a goal out of nothing like he can.”

Weston McKennie (Schalke 04), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig), and Kevin Danso (FC Augsburg) also were on the list.

Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery shun the off day (@FCBayernEN)

The aging winger duo may get a bad rap from some fans for their performances this season, but no one can question the work ethic of the veterans.