Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich set to battle FC Barcelona for Antoine Griezmann; Bayern scoping Ajax’s David Neres and Arsenal youngsters; plus MORE!

Bayern still in on Griezmann? (TZ)

It seems like a long shot...okay, it HAS to be a long shot, but TZ is reporting that Bayern Munich is still in pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann. With Paris Saint-Germain allegedly bowing out of the running, it looks like a two-horse race between Bayern and FC Barcelona.

Antoine Griezmann will leave his club Atlético Madrid at the end of the season for the fixed transfer fee of 120 million euros. Since this has become public knowledge, several international top clubs have been circulating in the rumor mill as future employers — including Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona in addition to FC Bayern. However, one interested party now appears to be backing off from signing the 2018 world championship.

On Friday, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel declared that a transfer of the offensive player was “not realistic.” In addition, the former Bundesliga coach stressed: “Griezmann can play for any club in the world. Every coach would be happy to have him.” But Paris needs defensive players — “and we have to start with that.”

So FC Bayern seems to have one fewer competitor in their bid for the 28-year-old. Nevertheless, FC Barcelona are still the favorites to sign the French superstar.

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Bayern vs. Frankfurt: A prediction (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern’s hopes for a seventh consecutive Bundesliga title hinge on its ability to find a way to beat Niko Kovac’s old team, Eintracht Frankfurt. Die Adler, of course, are an immensely talented and fun team to watch, but they also have some glaring weaknesses.

With reported Real Madrid recruit Luka Jovic pacing the offense, Eintracht Frankfurt is always dangerous and capable of making life hell on the opposition. Ante Rebic, Sebastien Haller, and Filip Kostic are also extremely skilled and talented players who can create chaos for even the staunchest defenses.

Despite that ever-present danger, a disciplined approach from Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba at the outside-back spots, along with a deep-sitting position for Thiago Alcantara should be more than enough to support Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels in staving off the weary — but tenacious — legs of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Adi Hütter’s defense, however, is not quite as sturdy as Bayern’s. Relying mostly on their ability to get under the skin of their opponents, Die Adler’s defenders are susceptible in many ways that Bayern could exploit. After a less-than-sharp effort last week against RB Leipzig, this should be a fixture where Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, and Kingsley Coman run amok and look terrifying.

Eintracht’s defensive unit has shown a tendency to lose their respective marks once a fellow defender gets beaten. This is an area that Bayern could and should exploit early in the game. While Eintracht Frankfurt’s offense may be dangerous, its defense will ultimately be its Achilles heel in this one.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3, Eintracht Frankfurt 1

Bayern eyeing another Ajax player? (Get French Football News)

Per a report out of France, Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all allegedly made “provisional contract offers” to Ajax’s 22-year-old winger David Neres.

Our colleagues at Euro United report that a host of top European clubs have made provisional contract offers of sorts to Ajax winger and 22-year-old David Neres. The clubs are understood to be: PSG, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. The player is not understood to have made any decision yet and crucially it is unclear if any of these teams are yet to approach Ajax over fee negotiations.

Bayern scoping English youngsters? (The Mirror)

Bayern reportedly has interest in the 18-year-old Arsenal duo of forward Tyreece John-Jules and winger Xavier Amaechi.

Arsenal have reportedly opened contract talks with teenage duo Tyreece John-Jules and Xavier Amaechi amid interest from Bayern Munich. The youngsters have suitors from across Europe with Bayern one of the sides monitoring their situations, according to Goal. Both their current deals are set to expire in 2020 and the Gunners have now moved to try and tie down two of their brightest talents to long-term contracts.

A Ribery video from the Bundesliga (You Tube — Bundesliga)

Here is a little video put together by the Bundesliga on Franck Ribery.

Bayern to play SpVgg Lindau in a friendly (FCBayern.com)

As part of the 100th anniversary of SpVgg Lindau, Bayern will play the club in a friendly at the end of this season. The game will take place on May 29th at Lindau’s Reutiner Straße Stadium. It will mark the first time Bayern will play at Reutiner Straße Stadium in 85 years.

Pretty cool (@FCBayernUS)

Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, and Rafinha all got the custom treatment with these jerseys.

DFB Frauen win UEFA U-17 championship (@DFB_Frauen)

The Women’s U-17 team from Germany won the UEFA Championship in Bulgaria on penalties. Here are some factoids regarding Germany’s win as provided by UEFA.com:

• Germany have won a record seventh title, three clear of Spain with Poland in 2013 the only other champions.
• Germany’s last five titles have been won on penalties.
• This was the first time since the #WU17EURO became an eight-team tournament in 2013/14 that Spain did not reach the final.
• Germany equaled Spain’s record of eight final appearances.
• The Netherlands were only the eighth different finalist.
• Germany reached their 11th semifinal in 12 editions of this competition.
• Germany and Spain kept up their record of never failing to get past the group stage since the round was introduced in 2013/14.

Arsenal continues raid on FC Bayern Frauen (Arsenal.com)

Earlier this week, it was announced that Arsenal had signed Frauen midfielder Jill Roord. The English power was not done there, however. Arsenal also signed Bayern goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger. Zinsberger had this to say:

It’s such an amazing feeling. I know a lot of the players here. We have a really good team here with really good quality and impressive performances, so I’m looking forward to being part of it!

Derbystar releases ball for 2019/2020 Bundesliga season (@Bundesliga_EN)