Daily Schmankerl: Thoughts on Bayern Munich’s rumored interest in RB Leipzig star Marcel Sabitzer; Gladbach to lose star trio?; Borussia Dortmund hit with COVID-19 cases; Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos is out; and MORE!

Thoughts on Sabitzer (Bavarian Football Works)

Like everyone, when I saw the news that Bayern Munich could — allegedly — pursue RB Leipzig midfielder...and only pay €18 million for him, I was onboard.

Sabitzer is a world class player in the prime of his career and could certainly improve any team that he goes to. Why, however, would player of his talent and at this stage of his career want to move to Bayern Munich? Some answers are obvious:

• A legitimate chance to win the Champions League.
• A legitimate chance to win the Bundesliga.
• A legitimate chance to win the DFB-Pokal.
• A reunion with Julian Nagelsmann.

Trophies, trophies, and more trophies — all while being handsomely paid no doubt.

That seems pretty attractive.

There is, however, at least some reason to doubt the viability of a move to Bavaria for Sabitzer:

• At 27, Sabitzer is a surefire starter, but would not necessarily find a starting role at Bayern Munich next season given the presence of Thomas Müller, Joshua Kimmich, and Leon Goretzka. Sabitzer can also play right-wing, but it is safe to say that any team that acquires him is looking at him as a central midfielder. It is difficult to imagine a player of Sabitzer’s caliber entering into a situation in his prime where he could be a substitute.
• Sabitzer will certainly have suitors that can pay him more than Bayern Munich. Coming at a very — and we mean very — cheap fee, it is safe to assume that the player will expect to see some kickback on the lack funds that will be spent to acquire him.

Would it be nice? Absolutely.

Does it makes sense for Bayern Munich? No doubt, that is a steal of a price — if true.

Will it happen? That...I have no idea on.

Plea, Ginter, Zakaria could all leave Gladbach (Liverpool Echo)

Borussia Mönchengladbach stars Denis Zakaria, Matthias Ginter, and Alassane Plea could all go as early as this summer:

When there are talks about possible departures from Gladbach, it is more Alassane Plea, the centre forward, or Matthias Ginter, the centre-back. And there is also Denis Zakaria, another central midfielder, though there is not one particular club really interested in him - a year or so Manchester United and Man City, but not now.

Losing all three players would be a massive blow to Gladbach’s squad for this season.

Brandt, Meunier out with COVID-19 (@BlackYellow)

Borussia Dortmund players Julian Brandt and Thomas Muenier tested positive for COVID-19 and are in quarantine:

Locatelli to make decision soon...outcome could affect Bayern (Transfer Market Web)

Manuel Locatelli is reportedly going to choose between Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, and Juventus:

Manuel Locatelli’s future will be decided in the next few days. In an interview with Sky Italia, Sassuolo’s managing director Giovanni Carnevali announced a next meeting with Juventus Turin.

“On Friday we will speak to Juve. It is not certain that we will come to an agreement, but we will in the next few days. Time is running out.”

The old lady is ahead in courting the 23-year-old midfielder. But Carnevali confirms that “talks with Arsenal and another English club” are still taking place. Most recently it was said that Liverpool FC was also on Manuel Locatelli’s turn. According to reports, the Italian himself favors a move to Juve.

If Locatelli does not opt to play in Turin, Juventus could turn its attention to Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso.

One of the caveats in the Sabitzer deal written about above, is that Bayern Munich would have sell both Tolisso and Michaël Cuisance.

Kroos will be down for a spell (@ToniKroos)

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, who recently retired from international play with Germany, is going to sit out for a bit with an injury:

Milan eyeing Odriozola and Isco (Football Italia)

AC Milan is taking a look at Real Madrid player Isco and Alvaro Odriozola. Odriozola, of course, won a treble with Bayern Munich...does anyone remember that?

Milan are reportedly in talks with Real Madrid over possible deals for Isco and Alvaro Odriozola. Tuttosport reports the Rossoneri have contacted the Spanish giants for further deals after the return of Brahim Diaz ahead of 2021-22. Left-back Theo Hernandez moved from Los Blancos to Milan ahead of 2019-20 and the report believes right-back Odriozola could follow the Frenchman to San Siro. Odriozola has been targeted as an alternative should Milan fail to re-sign Diogo Dalot from Manchester United this summer.