Daily Schmankerl: Javi Martinez draws praise; Arjen Robben might be healed; Adrien Rabiot and Nicolas Pépé updates; plus MORE!

Martinez draws high praise (Bild)

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez had himself a nice week. After a tremendous performance against Liverpool in the Champions League and also heading home the game-winner against Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, the 30-year-old Spaniard received some nice accolades from his bosses.

Hasan Salihamidzic: “Javi is the player of the week!”

Niko Kovac: “Javi did a good job this week. If Javi stands in front of the defenses, where I want him, then that is the six we need.”

Uli Hoeness: “Martinez has not always played as well as the last few days. But if he plays like that, strong in battle and strong in the head, he is a weapon.”

Robben lingering issue may be solved (Münchner Merkur)

Bayern legend Arjen Robben mysterious lingering thigh injury may be solved. Apparently, the Dutchman had a tooth infection that was causing issues throughout his body.

According to “Bild”, these were two purulent teeth that triggered the pain and caused another comeback attempt to fail in the past week.

Barca appears to be officially out of Rabiot race (The Mirror)

Alleged Bayern target Adrien Rabiot has one less suitor as FC Barcelona appears to have officially left the race for the Frenchman. If Bayern is still competing for Rabiot, it looks as if Arsenal and Liverpool are the front runners.

Liverpool and Arsenal’s efforts to sign highly-rated midfielder Adrien Rabiot appear to have been given a boost after Barcelona cooled their interested. According to reports in Spain, the Catalan club are ‘tired of waiting’ for an answer after contacting the 23-year-old’s representatives.

Rabiot’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire at the end of the season, and he has told the Ligue 1 champions that he won’t sign an extension. Barca had reportedly offered a 10 million Euro signing on fee - the equivalent of £8.7 million - and the same sum as an annual salary.

Rabiot, of course, reportedly fired his agent and dismissed his mother from his negotiations after it was first rumored last week that a potential deal with Barca fell through (as reported by the Liverpool Echo).

Adrien Rabiot has reportedly sacked his mother and agent after Barcelona backed away from signing the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder. The Frenchman has repeatedly been linked with Liverpool in recent months, despite the Reds insisting they have no interest in the player, after he made it clear he would be leaving PSG in the summer at the end of his current contract.

France out reports that is Pépé considered a lock for the Bayern (Calciomercato)

Calciomercato captured a report from Le 10 Sport in France that states Lille winger Nicolas Pépé is “destined” to Bavaria.

In France they have no doubts: Nicolas Pepé, Lille’s 1995 Ivorian striker, will play in the Bundesliga next season. According to Le 10 Sport, the player is destined for Bayern Munich, a club with a clear advantage on PSG and the other teams involved.

Mainz wants Bayern youth Woo-Yeong Jeong (kicker)

Bayern youth player Woo-Yeong Jeong is drawing the interest of Mainz.

With 14 points ahead of the relegation place, Mainz 05 can tackle the plans for another season in the first league. After kicker information, Woo-Yeong Jeong plays a role. The 19-year-old South Korean came to FC Bayern for a brief stint this season in the Champions League and is otherwise successful for the second team on the road: On Sunday the flexible offensive player scored goals ten, eleven and twelve for his season in the 3-0 against Ingolstadt II. In Munich, Jeong is contractually bound until 2022. Accordingly, a transfer would be due, which is likely in the mid single-digit million range despite lack of Bundesliga experience.

Richards pumped for U20 World Cup draw (@eastmamba)

Bayern’s Chris Richards seems ready to represent the United States this summer.