Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich eyeing Ajax star Donny van de Beek; Nicolo Zaniolo wants to stay with AS Roma; PSG interested in James Rodriguez; and MORE!

Van de Beek on Bayern’s radar (Transfer Market Web)

Is Bayern Munich starting to ramp up its pursuit of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek?

According to latest German news, Dutch international attacking midfielder Donny van de Beek (22) has been targeted by Bayern Munich. Possibly leaving Ajax on an about 60 million euros fee, the 1997-born is tracked by PSG, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund as well.

Van de Beek is an interesting name as the 22-year-old is a skilled play maker from the central midfield, but finding playing time in Munich might not be so easy when looking at the talent residing on the roster heading into the 2019/2020 season.

As with all of the links to central midfielders for Bayern, I just can’t see much happening with Van de Beek at this stage. Unless there is a major change in the availability status of Bayer Leverkusen ace Kai Havertz, it seems unlikely that anything substantial will happen. Havertz is a certifiable game-changer and he can also play wing, which would make him a very valuable asset for Bayern.

Zaniolo sees future in Italy (Bleacher Report)

Bleacher Report captured a report by Sky Sport Italia on AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo. Despite the rumors linking the 19-year-old to Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Real Madrid, it appears he wants to make his mark with Roma.

I still have four years left on my contract and I’m happy here. I see my future at Roma. My agent will talk to the club at the end of the season. It’s always pleasing to have interest from great teams, but I’m focused on Roma and the last two league games. I’m positive about the [contract] renewal and I’m happy to stay.

PSG to make a run at James this summer? (Calciomercato)

Could Paris Saint-Germain make a run at James Rodriguez?

PSG are reportedly looking at Juventus target James Rodriguez. The Bayern Munich trequartista, who is nearing the end of his two year loan from Real Madrid, is not expected to be signed permanently by the Bavarians. Zidane has also come across as fairly non-committal over his future, leading some to speculate that he does not have a future at either club.

PSG are looking to rebuild their midfield, after being heavily restricted by FFP over the past two season, and could look to the Columbian, who shot to prominence during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to spearhead their new midfield. Having failed to live up to what has been expected of him first in Real Madrid, and then Germany, he would have a lot to prove and could see Paris as an ideal destination to showcase his true abilities.

Juventus had been closely linked to, with Cristiano Ronaldo speaking publicly about his desire to play with Rodriguez again, but it now looks unlikely that a move to Turin will materialize. Manchester United have also been linked with him in recent days, with Madrid considering using him in part of the deal to take Pogba to the Bernabeu, but it now seems as if PSG are in pole position.

Depending on what kind of roster shake-up occurs at PSG, it is kind of hard to see how James would fit there. Obviously, the Colombia international is talented enough to break into the line-up, but PSG would seem like the unlikeliest of all of James’ landing spots. Manchester United, Juventus, and even Arsenal seem to be in a better position to make a play for the 27-year-old.

ICYMI: The next podcast is up! (Bavarian Football Works)

Our latest podcast is up, so give it a listen and feel free to ridicule me in the comments!

Close look at the new kit (@FCBayernEN)

Now that I am seeing it a little closer, I don’t hate it. I wish it was a darker version of red, but it’s not bad.

Self-admission: I also wear shorts and a t-shirt nearly every day year-round, so my sense of fashion could be lacking. I still wear t-shirts that I’ve had for 15 years or more (much to my wife’s chagrin). My oldest t-shirt turns 25 this summer and my wife may go full Mad Queen on both me and the shirt.

For another view:

I am sure our in-house expert Tom Adams will be firing off his takes on this at some point soon.

Final presser was emotional for Rafinha (@FCBayernEN)

Bayern’s popular outside back Rafinha is among the group of veteran players including Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery who are exiting after the season. It was obviously an emotional moment for all involved.

ICYMI, we covered the presser here.

Roord to leave FC Bayern Frauen (Arsenal.com)

Frauen midfielder Jill Roord will be moving on to Arsenal. Roord had this to say about her upcoming move:

I’m really proud that I’m going to be an Arsenal player. Arsenal is an amazing club and they’re also champions now, so I’m really happy and proud to join the club. Arsenal is one of the clubs in England that I really like. In women’s football, they’ve always been one of the top clubs. Of course there are some Dutch friends of mine who play there, so I’ve always followed them. I’m really looking forward to it. What type of player am I? I’m really technical. I can play offensive and also defensive midfield. I’m really technical and like to have the ball at my feet. I can also score a lot, so hopefully I can make some goals too. I want to develop myself as a player and I think it’s a good step for me, the next step. I want to play for Arsenal, I want to be important and I want to win trophies with the team. We’re going to play in the Champions League now and I’ve played in it before so I know what it’s like.