Bayern Munich continuing pursuit of promising German winger

Bayern Munich’s interest in Serge Gnabry seems to be the story that will never die. Bayern reportedly lost out on him last summer when he joined Werder Bremen from Arsenal but that hasn’t stopped the rumors from continuing to circulate. Only thing is Bayern haven’t given up their interest yet.

Kicker reports that Bayern have secured the right of first refusal from Bremen and that Gnabry’s contract with contains an €8M buy-out clause. Gnabry’s current contract expires at the end of the 2019/2020 season.

For Bayern, having a right of first refusal serves as an emergency insurance policy in the event that one of their vaunted wing corps leaves or crashes out from injury. Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are old and frail and were both handed extensions in the past months in a set of moves that at best is risky, and at worst foolhardy. Having Serge Gnabry available at such cut rate and with first refusal is a fantastic insurance policy.

This also extends to a situation where Douglas Costa leaves Bayern this summer — as he’s very clearly stated he may — or if Kingsley Coman decides not to sign a contract with Bayern following them exercising the transfer option in his loan contract.

Though at then end of the day on the Gnabry front, Bayern fans would do well to remember the Emre Can transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. That was a similar situation that did not turn out well for the club on the player retention front.