Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich, AC Milan interested in Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino?; Kevin De Bruyne says Robert Lewandowski is world’s best; Luka Jovic to Arsenal?; Julian Nagelsmann admired John Terry growing up; and MORE!

Bayern, Milan eye Firmino (Anfield Watch)

According to one report, Bayern Munich is among the teams looking to pursue Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino. AC Milan is considered another leading contender as well:

Bayern Munich and AC Milan are interested in signing Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, according to SportAndGoal, as cited by LFC Transfer Room.

Bayern Munich and AC Milan are reportedly looking to sign the Brazilian due to the fact that they both possess an ageing forward or two.

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski is 33 years old. AC Milan strikers Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are 35 and 40 years of age respectively.

Firmino’s current contract expires in the summer of 2023.

De Bruyne says Lewy is best in the world (City Xtra)

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is one of the world’s top player, but even he recognizes the greatness of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski:

ICMYI: Bavarian Podcast Works S4E11 (Bavarian Football Works)

An international break just ended and Bayern Munich roared back into action with a dominant 5-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. This game was supposed to a huge test for Julian Nagelsmann, as Leverkusen were unbeaten in the Bundesliga and were off to one of their best ever starts in the league. Safe to say, die Werkself didn’t put up much of a fight.

In this episode, Tom and Ineednoname discuss:

• The outcome of the Leverkusen game, and how convincing Nagelsmann seems so far.
• The big positives that we see in the team.
• What improvements are still needed.
• How Lucas Hernandez’ legal issues affect Bayern Munich’s image.
• What happens if Lucas goes to prison? Discussing the depth issue, especially the consequences for Alphonso Davies.
• The dead-end careers of both Michael Cuisance and Marc Roca.

Nagelsmann says Terry was role model when he was young (Transfer Market Web)

Julian Nagelsmann said that he was a longtime fan of former Chelsea defender John Terry:

Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has admitted that former Chelsea defender John Terry was a ‘role model’ for him when growing up.

In an interview with The Times, he said: “In those days, Terry was one of the best central defenders — I think there was one season he did not lose one duel.

“He was brave with his head. I was good with my feet but better with my head, and there were some similarities, he was kind of a role model.”

Brandt wants longer stay with BVB (kicker)

Julian Brandt might no longer be on the German national team’s radar, but he is enjoying his time with Borussia Dortmund and wants to stay longer:

There were rumors of a change in the summer, but Julian Brandt (25) is still far from having enough of Borussia Dortmund. “I still have a lot of fun playing at this club and I want to see a lot more with them,” said the midfielder on Monday. In 2019 he signed a five-year contract after moving from Bayer Leverkusen to BVB.

ICYMI: Postgame Show — Bayern Munich beats direct title rivals Bayer Leverkusen 1-5 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich taught Bayer Leverkusen a lesson in compact, beautiful one-touch football by slotting five goals past them in the first half. Robert Lewandowski got the party started early on in the first half after Bayer Leverkusen’s back-line left Dayot Upamecano open to set up Bayern’s #9. Bayern had to defend quite a bit afterward as Leverkusen went searching for an equalizer. However, Bayern’s back-line would not be breached and remained compact, dealing with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Patrick Schick and Moussa Diaby easily.

There were many star performers in the first half for Bayern but Joshua Kimmich, for the first time in a while, had a fantastic game. He has been solid this season but today showed what Kimmich, a ball-playing, holding midfielder, can do at full strength. Alphonso Davies started and did incredibly well; Leverkusen could not deal with him. Bayern’s goals came courtesy of Robert Lewandowski (2), Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry (2).

Jovic to...the Gunners? (Sport1)

Real Madrid’s could be headed to Arsenal:

Luka Jovic, who moved from Eintracht Frankfurt to Real Madrid for 60 million euros two years ago, could soon dismantle his tents in Madrid and move to the island. The Serb has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal, where he is set to replace the emigrant Alexandre Lacazette in the Gunners’ storm.

Since his transfer to the Spanish capital, Luka Jovic has only scored two goals in 38 games for Real and was unable to convince either with Los Blancos or on his second loan loan to Eintracht Frankfurt last season. In this season, too, the 23-year-old only played a meager 84 minutes and recently did not rule out a renewed loan.

So next summer he could inherit Alexandre Lacazette in the storm of the Gunners, whose contract expires next summer and who is mostly left out this season under Mikel Arteta. He recently said at the press conference before the game against Crystal Palace that he wanted to get the best out of the 30-year-old, but did not comment on the Frenchman’s future with the North Londoners.

ICYMI: The Weekend Warm-up Podcast (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich kicked back into Bundesliga action this weekend, but the club had more than a few big stories break — and we’re not even delving too far into Lucas Hernandez being summoned to Spain to face a prison sentence.

Let’s take a look at what we have on tap for this episode:

• A recap of Germany’s progress under Hansi Flick.
• More noise surrounding Niklas Süle’s uncertain future in Bavaria.
• Robert Lewandowski’s rumored meltdown and why this probably has at least some validity.
• Bayern Munich’s front office taking a look at what it might take to bring in Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.