Daily Schmankerl: Arp in Munich; James news; Brandt goes Hollywood; Bernat transfer?; and MORE!

Report: Arp in Munich to undergo physical and sign contract (Bild)

Jann-Fiete Arp allegedly left Hamburger SV training camp and is in Munich today to get a physical and to agree to terms on a deal worth four or five years and is valued at €16M or €20M (depending on which report you believe). The only hitch is that he, um, isn’t a Bayern Munich player yet. In addition, Bild asserts that Bayern would loan Arp out for a year, but not back to Hamburger SV; assuming, you know, that Bayern can complete a formal transfer with Der Dino.

Arp is a logical and forward-thinking acquisition, who will have a defined role as the successor to Robert Lewandowski. Ultimately the next two years are about building more physical strength and remaining in top condition, while gaining experience for Arp.

This will be a great thing for Bayern to lock up a young, prodigious talent if everything goes to plan.

Bild refutes Marca report on James Rodriguez (Bild)

After recapping the Marca piece that we covered yesterday, Bild came to this conclusion based on their previous reports:

In short: If Bayern does not completely change the course, for which there are no signs, the Bayern fans can look forward to James for a long time.

SportBild chief, Chrisitan Falk, meanwhile, believes this is a game being played by the agent of James Rodriguez to drive interest in his client.

There is always an offseason dance to be done between players, agents, and clubs. Where the truth lies on “who really wants who” remains to be seen with James. He has publicly stated his happiness at Bayern several times, the fans and club both like him, and he’s been a model citizen off the field. That said, maybe a return to Spain does appeal to him for a variety of reasons (No Cristiano Ronaldo, no Zinedine Zidane, a bigger global brand)?

I would think he will remain in Munich, but soccer is crazy.

ICYMI: Julian Brandt auditions for role on Leverkusen 90210 (@bayer04_en)

Julian Brandt will look to play the role of “Berend”, a 15-year old pharmaceutical heir with a penchant for bad decisions and risky business that finds himself falling for a girl who grew up on the wrong side of town.

One of the tremendous things about soccer players, is the copious amounts of awkward or funny photos they take. Lewandowski, himself, has powered the Daily Schmankerl for months with funny pics.

Atletico Madrid jumping in on the Juan Bernat action (CalcioMercato)

Juan Bernat is getting some major interest now that Bayern has formally put a “For Sale” in his front yard.

Juan Bernat’s situation with Juventus is in limbo, if the latest reports from Italy are accurate. But now it appears that Atletico Madrid are joining the race, possibly as a replacement for Sime Vrsaljko, who is liked in Italy. ​Bernat is expected to cost between €10 and €15 million, and is liked for his all-round nature. Juventus are preparing for life without Matteo Darmian, their negotiations with Manchester United not going anywhere so far.

Among all the different reports, the €10 and €15 million price range seems pretty consistent.

On this day in 2014…(@Pitchworksuk)

Mario Götze was magic.

It’s been a tough road for Götze since that day in 2014 as I covered for The Barrel. Hopefully he can physically and mentally get over the disappointment surrounding his last few Bundesliga campaigns. I still would not be shocked if he moved on from Borussia Dortmund, which seems to be in a state of transition regarding its roster. Then again, I thought André Schürrle was definitely going to be out, but he’s still hanging in at BVB as well.

Bild writer makes plea for a return to Munich for Mario Mandžukić (Bild)

Bild writer Matthias Brügelmann waxed philosophical in his column about Mario Mandžukić in a good read covering the journey of Mandžukić since the Croatian left Bayern and on just how important he is to the Vatreni. At the end of the piece Brügelmann made a plea for a return to Munich by Mandžukić.

Mandzukic has just turned 32 years old. Actually too old for a commitment. But maybe Juve makes a fair price. At the moment I would rather have it in front than Lewandowski. Mr. Kovac , take over!

Updated pics of the Allianz Arena upgrades (@cfbayern)

SportBild chief Christian Falk captured some shots of the new aesthetics for Allianz Arena.

The FC Bayern Frauen II squad will play Saturday (@FCBfrauen)

Next game of the #FCBFrauen II: Tomorrow the 2nd team will play against the juniors of SV Planegg-Krailling! ⚽️ @packmas #SVPlanegg Saturday, July 14, 11:00 am #FCBayernCampus, 7th site