Bayern Munich News: Liverpool, FC Bayern battling over PSG’s Bradley Barcola?; Inter Milan, Juventus eyeing John Stones?; and MORE!

For contingency plan, Bayern to swipe Barcola from Liverpool’s grasp? (Anfield Index)

The wildness of the summer transfer window is upon us and this rumor is a bit of a doozy: If Bayern Munich believes that losing Michael Olise to Real Madrid is inevitable (at this point, the Bavarians do not…at least that we know of), the club will pursue Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, who has been closely linked to Liverpool.

Got all that? Here is the report:

Bradley Barcola is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched names in the summer market, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool both credited with interest as elite clubs assess their wide options. According to Foot Mercato, Bayern are already doing contingency work in case Michael Olise’s future becomes a live issue, and Barcola is among the players under consideration.

The key point here is that Bayern are not waiting passively. Even while insisting Olise is not for sale, they are understood to have started mapping alternatives. Barcola fits that profile, a high-level France international with age, pedigree and room for further growth. Initial contact has reportedly been made as Bayern prepare for different outcomes.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are also described as serious admirers of the Paris Saint-Germain attacker. Their interest is notable given Barcola’s profile, direct in possession, technically secure and diligent without the ball. He has earned the trust of both club and international coaches, and that tends to matter when recruitment departments are weighing readiness for the Premier League.

If you wanted to entertain this and take the line of thinking that Bayern Munich actually believes that Michael Olise could leave, Barcola would not exactly be a like-for-like replacement. Barcola is rumored to prefer the left side, which would be just as tough to find playing time at Bayern Munich (Luis Díaz) as it is at PSG (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia).

Moreover, while Barcola is very good and extremely talented, his skill-set is not exactly a match for Olise either. Simply put, there are not many like-for-like replacements available. That said, if — and again, this is a massive if — Bayern Munich is truly taking contingency measures (again, it likely is not), Barcola would be a player near the top of its list to get.

Bayern Munich’s interest in Barcola goes back at least two years.

Gunners eyeing Alvarez (TEAMtalk)

Arsenal is taking a close look at Argentina star Julián Alvarez, who has been a primary target for FC Barcelona this summer:

Atletico Madrid have made it clear to Julian Alvarez’s camp that they are prepared to sanction a move to Arsenal this summer, but TEAMtalk understands that they remain determined not to strengthen either Barcelona or city rivals Real Madrid.

The Argentina international has become one of the biggest names on the market, and his future is now entering a decisive stage, with several European heavyweights continuing to position themselves.

We understand that Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have maintained regular contact with Alvarez’s representatives throughout the summer.

However, despite both clubs being kept fully informed of developments, they have consistently received the same message – Barcelona remains the player’s preferred destination.

That has not stopped Arsenal from pushing. Sporting director Andrea Berta has held direct talks with Alvarez, and we understand that the striker would be open to the prospect of moving to the Premier League.

Juve eyeing Balogun (ESPN)

Quite a few players helped their stock with strong performances at the World Cup, and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun is one of them. Juventus is reportedly taking a look at the AS Monaco forward:

Juventus are considering a move for AS Monaco and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The Bianconeri are reported to see the 25-year-old as a potential alternative to Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, as they look to land a player that can impact the game with runs in behind the defensive line. An offer worth in the region of €50 million would be required to land Balogun, who has recently been linked with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.

Alonso looking forward to working with Jackson (Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano)

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has taken over Chelsea as its new manager and wants to take a long look at Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan with the Bavarians:

🚨🔵 Xabi Alonso: “Nico Jackson is joining the tour in Asia and we are looking forward to him working with us.”

Jackson was not awful for Bayern Munich, but he was not a great fit, either. After a difficult acclimation period, Jackson did have a productive stretch, but his performances were just not at the level needed in terms of consistency. Maybe, he can get fully back on track at Chelsea working with Alonso.

Inter, Juve eyeing Stones (Kicker)

Inter Milan and Juventus are taking a close look at former Manchester City defender John Stones:

John Stones has been a free agent since his contract with Manchester City expired this summer. The 32-year-old has only played in England so far, but his new club could be in Italy. According to Sky Italia, Inter Milan are interested in the England World Cup player, and Stones is reportedly one of the candidates for the center-back position. Juventus are also said to be interested in Stones.

Bayern Alumni: Ranos to CD Tenerife (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)

Former Bayern Munich prospect Grant-Leon Ranos could be headed to CD Tenerife:

🚨💥 EXCL | Grant-Leon Ranos to CD Teneriffa – DONE DEAL ✔️

Full agreement reached with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Permanent transfer. Transfer fee: €300,000 plus add-ons, with a significant sell-on clause.

Contract until 2028, with an option for a further year in the event of promotion. The 22 y/o striker joins with immediate effect. A new chapter in LaLiga2 awaits.

@SkySportDE

Barca scoping Vlahović, Asllani (ESPN)

FC Barcelona is reportedly taking a close look at Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović and Hoffenheim forward Fisnik Asllani:

Barcelona are exploring moves for Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani and free-agent Dusan Vlahovic, according to Sport. Asllani, 23, remains an option admired by the Blaugrana hierarchy and he has a release clause in his contract that can be activated for €29 million. Vlahovic, 26, is available for free after his contract at Juventus expired, but the LaLiga club are reported to have been unimpressed by his salary demands and he could sign a three-year contract with Besiktas instead.

Arsenal pushing for Rogers deal (Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano)

Arsenal wanted to expedite a deal for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers:

🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are now set to accelerate on Morgan Rogers deal, top target as new winger as always mentioned.

Talks already advanced on player side and separate case from Tzolis, #AFC always wanted both.

No talks for Barcola so far; focus on Rogers.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!
• Fewer ads
• Create community posts