Daily Schmankerl: Chelsea might be serious about Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard; Konrad Laimer deal looks less likely for Bayern; RB Leipzig to sign David Raum; Cristiano Ronaldo asks Manchester United to terminate deal?; and MORE!

Chelsea might pursue Pavard (Fabrizio Romano via @iMiaSanMia)

The arrival of Matthijs de Ligt at Bayern Munich has Benjamin Pavard’s future on somewhat tenuous footing — despite claims from manager Julian Nagelsmann that he wants to keep the Frenchman.

Chelsea FC seems interested in helping Bayern Munich rid itself of some of its backline depth as the club is interested in Pavard:

Benjamin Pavard is on Chelsea’s list. The Frenchman is one of the names being discussed by the Blues. As of now, there are still no talks between Bayern and Chelsea. Pavard could be available on the market following the signing of Matthijs de Ligt.

German outlet kicker had this to say about Pavard’s status:

Since the signing of Matthijs de Ligt, it has been clear that there will be no room for Benjamin Pavard in Bayern’s center of defence. But because the Frenchman likes to see himself in the middle, he is considering a change, even if the club management on Säbener Straße says: “Our squad for 2022/23 is now set.” A perspective conversation with Pavard about a future together beyond 2024 remained on the surface - internationally he is still traded as a change candidate.

Contrary to many (dodges tomatoes), I thought Pavard had a good season in 2021/22 and was looking forward to seeing how he transitions back to playing centrally. Will we see that happen in Munich...or will the 26-year-old ply his trade in London this season?

Laimer deal looking less likely (kicker)

Things might have taken a downturn for Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Konrad Laimer:

FC Bayern has long since agreed on a transfer with Konrad Laimer (25), but RB Leipzig has yet to say yes. The Saxons are demanding compensation of allegedly well over 20 million euros, but there has been no rapprochement in the past few weeks. Therefore, it cannot currently be ruled out that Laimer will only be able to start at Bayern in 2023/24. One thing is certain: the Austrian will not extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

Whatever happens between now and the end of the summer transfer window, it looks like Laimer will be joining Bayern Munich at some point (soon or in 2023/24).

Leipzig gets Raum (@Plettigoal)

Update: 11:50AM EST — As covered here, it seems like RB Leipzig got their man...

Original post: It looks like RB Leipzig is inching closer toward landing Hoffenheim left-back and Germany international David Raum:

Raum’s reputation is growing more and more, so it would be key if one of the big Bundesliga clubs can lock him down before some other European powers can make inroads with the young star.

ICYMI: Vote for Bavarian Podcast Works! (Bavarian Football Works)

It’s our pleasure to announce that Bavarian Podcast Works has been nominated for the “Best Club Podcast” by World Soccer Talk.

That’s right your (hopefully) favorite Bayern Munich podcast network is up for an award. While we are humbled and honored that we have not chased everyone away, we could use your help in securing the trophy. That’s right...you can vote! Help support BFW’s quest to be the best, by checking out this link and giving us a vote (or INNN will hunt you down): World Soccer Talk Awards — Best Club Podcast

Bear in mind, we didn’t nominate ourselves or anything like that for this award...somebody likes us!

We’ve put a lot of hard work into helping the podcast network grow and evolve over the years. We’d love to bring home the gold here and frankly we have not been this fired up over a competition since the Bunducksliga was at its peak. Voting closes at midnight EST on July 31, 2022. (Direct link: https://worldsoccertalk.com/best-club-podcast-2022-world-soccer-talk-awards)

THERE ARE JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT, COME ON LADS WE CAN DO THIS!

Pundit wants Gunners to make serious Sané run (HITC)

Kevin Campbell is pushing Arsenal FC to try and pry Leroy Sané away from Bayern Munich:

Kevin Campbell has backed Arsenal to sign three more players this summer in Youri Tielemans, Lucas Paquetá and one of Cody Gakpo or Leroy Sané, as he told the Highbury Squad.

The former striker stated that he is being ‘greedy’, but he would like to see three of those faces in Arsenal colours ahead of the new Premier League season and it would make the club’s bench ‘super strong’.

Edu Gaspar has been a pretty busy individual this summer, with five new faces walking through the Emirates Stadium doors, including perhaps their standout signing, Gabriel Jesus.

Ronaldo asks for contract termination? (SPORTbible)

Did Cristiano Ronaldo ask Manchester United to terminate his contract? If so, that would be...kind of crazy at this stage:

Bavarian Podcast Works Preview Show: Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig (DFL-Supercup)

In this episode, Schnitzel is joined by BFW’s Muller_Era aka ‘Swaz’ on what is her first podcast. Excited much? Here are the topics that the two mulled over:

• Thoughts on the preseason tour and the latest signing, Mathys Tel
• Overall expectations from the squad
• Some shade thrown at Teddy and INNN (those pessimists, ugh!)
• An analysis of the Leipzig squad, and a recap of their most recent game
• Bayern lineup discussion + team news
• An overall analysis, plus some final scoreline predictions

Bayern ballers? (@FCBayernUS)

While in Green Bay, Bayern Munich stars Thomas Müller, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala got a chance to chat with Milwaukee Bucks players Khris Middleton and George Hill:

Ancelotti looking to sell off three players (Sport Bild)

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti thinks his squad might be too big and is looking to offload a few players:

The Real Madrid squad currently has 26 men. Still too big for coach Carlo Ancelotti (63)!

Therefore, according to the “Mundo Deportivo”, the Italian still wants to sift out a little. Reportedly at the top of the list are: Álvaro Odriozola (26), Mariano (28) and Borja Mayoral (25).

GOAT-riozola deserves better.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 5, Episode 4 (Bavarian Football Works)

In this episode of the Flagship show, Tom and Teddy discuss:

• Grading Bayern’s preseason overall
• The win over DC United
• The loss to Manchester City
• Players that impressed us during the preseason matches
• Things we didn’t like from the two matches
• Nagelsmann formation choices
• Predicting how productive of a signing Mathys Tel will be