With the January Transfer window looming – certain rumours have been thrown around since the beginning of the 12/13 season. Here I will take a look at the potential 'comings and goings' that will affect Bayern Munich.
With only £58,000,000 spent in The British Transfer Market last January – it is fair to say that compared to the summer window, top flight managers are much more reluctant to spend. That said – with such success stories like Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavic people may wonder why managers do not spend? Of course, the likes of big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea are in the latter stages of assembling their squads to challenge domestically and on the continent.
In this article – I will look at transfer rumours surrounding Bayern Munich. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.
Coming in:
Mesut Ozil
Bayern Munich are reportedly looking to sign German international Mesut Ozil. The Bavarian side apparently want to bring the Real Madrid man to the Allianz Arena on a temporary deal – with an eye for a permanent deal. Rumours have sparked due to an apparent falling out between Jose Mourinho and the former Weder Bremen starlet. Along with the arrival of Luka Modric, Ozil has seen first team opportunities hard to come by – although providing over 50 assists in his first two seasons, in his favored number 10 role. Ozil would also like the fact he Bayern are home to the majority of The German National side – where he continues to flourish as Germany's main attacking threat.
Lars Bender
Versatile midfielder Lars Bender was pleased by the reported interest shown in him by Bayern Munich last summer. The 23 year old alerted several of Europe's top clubs with an impressive cameo role through last season, most notably his performances in Euro 2012. Upon Bayern's interest – Bender said: “It is an honour that the greatest German club has expressed an interest.” “Xabi Alonso, Bastian Shweinsteiger and Sami Khedira are world class. From them I can learn a lot.” With two of his idols currently first time starters for The German National side – Although moving to Bayern Munich would see Bender's playing time restricted due to the sheer class of the German side- the German looks at it more of a chance to learn from some of the best footballers in the world.
Theo Walcott
The bundesliga giants have emerged as surprise contenders for the signature of Arsenal contract-rebel Theo Walcott. Walcott is stalling on signing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, and with boss Arsene Wenger growing increasinly frustrated, the 23-year old has been linked with clubs across Europe. The German outfit are keeping tabs on Walcott's situation and are understood to be ready to bid up to £14million for the speedy winger in January. Bayern see Walcott as competition for wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery and believes his direct attitude to run behind the defence could be a major weapon. As well as Wenger favouring to sell Walcott abroad – rather than strengthening a major rival – Walcott could be on his way to Germany this January.
Leighton Baines 
German giants Bayern Munich are looking to sign Everton defender Leighton Baines in the January transfer window. Bayern’s interest in the England full-back was revealed back in October. Now the German club is determined to bring the influential player to the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich are set to offer £20million for Baines in January. Everton have so far been unwilling to entertain the possibility of selling the defender – most notably to Manchester United, but the newest offer might just make them reconsider their stance. Seen as Everton's most influential player – playing at left back, Baines appears to have grown out of Everton. A side who can offer the former Wigan man Champions League football and possible domestic success may be an attractive proposition for Leighton Baines.
Kevin Prince Boateng
With the recent transfer exodus at AC Milan – senior members that remain in the squad are not happy with life at the San Siro. Bayern are planning a January bid for atttacking midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng. Bayern are hoping with a lucrative contract offer – a high transfer fee and the fact that Boateng can return to the Germany playing alongside his brother will ensure that the transfer is quickly resolved. Bayern certainly have the funds to afford Boateng – who Milan value at around £15million – although whether or not Boateng is a fan of the Bundesliga remains a question.
Going out:
Franck Ribery
Ribery has been a sought after player for as long as anyone can remember and has always been linked with the biggest clubs with Europe but has recently been quoted saying “I haven’t made a decision about my future yet. I still have a lot of doubts about what’s best for me, but I have some preferences. If I decide to leave Bayern Munich, it will be for a club in Spain. I have to think about what my family wants as well and my wife would be delighted to move to Spain. She doesn’t like all the rain and snow and is reluctant to go to England. It’s now up to me to decide whether I want to stay at Bayern or join a Spanish giant such as Barcelona or Real Madrid. Whatever my decision will be, I want to sign a five-year contract or so if I sign a deal somewhere.”
Thomas Muller
The 23-year-old hinted earlier this year that he may be ready to leave the German giants if he does not get the first team football that he wants. Muller, a product of the Munich youth academy has already made over 110 appearances for Bayern and scored over 35 goals but with competition for places with Gomez and Robben he can not always be assured of a spot in the starting XI. He was quoted as saying "Bayern is always my club and I don't think about the transfer market right now. But I can't be happy if I don't play in the season's biggest games.” alerting the big European clubs.
Nils Petersen
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly monitoring Munich youngster Nils Peterson as he looks to bolster his up front options, currently only having one fit striker in the form of Luis Suarez. Peterson was sent out on loan this season to Werder Bremen and has already made an impact, netting on his home debut and is a clearly a bright prospect for the future which means Liverpool won't get this player on the cheap.
Source: DSG
