Daily Schmankerl: Chelsea’s Timo Werner praises Thomas Müller; FC Barcelona ramping up pursuit of Erling Haaland; Bayern Munich getting serious about Lucien Agoume; and MORE!

Werner talks Müller (kicker)

Chelsea’s Timo Werner has not had the easiest time since joining the London-based club. It had looked like the 24-year-old was headed toward a future with Bayern Munich, but something went awry on the path linking the player and club.

Instead, Werner took his talents to England and has been a consistent whipping boy for the tabloids. Still, Werner has starting adapting to life on (10 goals, 9 assists) and off (his English has improved mightily) the field.

“Even though I work a lot on my English, I couldn’t always express myself the way I wanted and had to be careful not to be misunderstood,” said Werner, who clearly knew how any one hiccup verbally could become sensationalized. “That’s more natural now and no longer a problem; you almost feel a bit at home.”

One thing that Werner misses about Germany is being able to play with Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller for Die Mannschaft. It sure sounds like Werner would love to see Müller back in action with the national team as well.

“Thomas has already scored double figures again and set up a lot of goals. The time I played with him was a lot of fun. He kept putting balls through for me, too. Whether I will have the pleasure of playing with him again others have to decide,” said Werner.

Barca ramping up pursuit of Haaland (Transfer Market Web)

Despite its rampant financial problems, FC Barcelona looks like it might be getting serious about Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland:

Tracked by most A-listers around, Norwegian international striker Erling Haaland (20) has been targeted by Barcelona FC as well, according to Mundo Deportivo. While in need to offload a bunch of players, including Leo Messi, in order to be able to afford him, Blaugrana, as some of Borussia Dortmund star hitman’s further suitors, are also pondering to go after him in summer 2022, when a 75 million euros exit clause upon him is going to be enabled, according to Mundo Deportivo. As long as no one forestalls the competition by signing him during next window, of course.

I’ve said it a million times, but I would find a way to get Haaland before he bolts Germany if I was Bayern Munich. However the Bavarians need to make it work on the field, in the locker room, and with its coffers, Haaland is just too special of a talent to let go by because of timing.

Here is to hoping that the Bayern Munich board has some secret plan to activate Haaland’s release clause in 2022.

Dortmund catching some heat (@DLF_Sport)

Speaking of Borussia Dortmund, the club and its players are feeling a bit of pressure after the video below emerged. In the age of COVID-19, the mask-less fans and players alike caused some to bristle and complain about BVB’s lack of diligence with coronavirus protocols following its 4-0 victory over Schalke 04 in the Revierderby:

KHR comments on Juve’s Alaba interest (JuveFC.com)

Juventus might not be at the top of David Alaba’s list of potential destinations, but they are at least on the radar as Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge noted:

David Alaba will become one of the best free agents in the transfer market in the summer and Juventus wants his signature.

After rejecting the contract offer from Bayern Munich, their CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that teams like Juventus will want to sign him, reports Calciomercato, although he admitted that the Austrian will choose his next destination.

“Juventus like other clubs on David Alaba? Normal. The best European clubs are working to sign him, but it’s up to him to decide,” he said.

Juve is competing with Real Madrid for his signature and the report adds that the defender already has a verbal agreement to join the Spanish champions. He remains within sight of the Bianconeri, but they are struggling to meet his financial demands. The report says the Austrian wants 12m euros net per season for the next four years and that demand has thrown Juve out of the race, perhaps.

Report: Bernat to stay with PSG (Transfer Market Web)

Despite reports that he could be headed back to Spain, former Bayern Munich player Juan Bernat appears to be extending his deal with Paris-Saint Germain:

Playing for PSG since September 2018, Spanish left-back Juan Bernat (turning 28 on March 1st) came to an overall agreement with French giants, over a further long-term, whose new deadline is meant to be set at June 2026, according to both RMC and L’Equipe. Former Bayern Munich and Valencia player was recently linked to Barcelona FC and Juventus.

Bayern having more talks on Agoume (Transfer Market Web)

Per this report, Bayern Munich’s interest in Inter Milan’s Lucien Agoume (on loan with Spezia) might be getting very serious:

According to FcInterNews.it, Bayern Munich are bringing on transfer talks, with Inter Milan, upon French-Cameroonian defensive midfielder Lucien Agoume (19). Currently on a parent-club deal with Italian giants until June 2023, the 2002-born is playing for Serie A rookie side Spezia, on a loan spell, is meanwhile tracked by even more European clubs.