FC Groningen v AFC Ajax - Dutch Eredivisie Photo by Patrick Goosen/BSR Agency/Getty Images Check one name off the list for Bayern Munich. According to a report from Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich has left the race for Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez and will no longer pursue the Mexico international: ❗️News #Alvarez: Bayern WON‘T enter the race. It’s decided. They have other plans for central midfield. As reported: They like his profile but he’s not a transfer target. Dortmund ist[sic] still interested in signing him instead! Understand Alvarez is really considering #BVB as his new club. But top clubs from are also in. The 25 y/o is ready for the next step in summer. Ajax will let him go. Price tag: Up to €50m all in. The timing of this is curious as Bayern Munich is rumored to have just two main targets for this summer: a new No. 9 to lead the attack and a new No. 6, who would allow Joshua Kimmich to push up to the No. 8 position. Reports had circulated for roughly two weeks that Bayern Munich was interested in Alvarez, but now it appears as if the club will turns its focus elsewhere.

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FC Bayern München v Manchester City: Quarterfinal Second Leg - UEFA Champions League Photo by Danilo Di Giovanni/Getty Images The Bavarians have inquired about Alvarez’ availability. Bayern Munich has been in crisis for much of the 202-23 footballing season. Moreover, it is clear that the failure of the club to replace striker Robert Lewandowski has been a big factor in the erratic form of the Bavarians. As a result, recent reporting has been focused on big money transfer targets in the striker position. Now, it appears that Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez has been added to the list of potential options, according to the reputable Florian Plettenberg. News J. #Alvarez: Yes, he’s on the list of #FCBayern confirmed! He’s another option next to Kolo Muani. Bayern has inquired about him as he’s not a regular starter behind #Haaland. His future at #MCFC is uncertain despite of his contract until 2028. First call about the interest… pic.twitter.com/AnZvL993nG— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 23, 2023The Sky Sports journalist alleges that Alavarez is on Bayern’s list of striker targets and that the club have inquired about the Argentine. However, he’s “not yet a hot topic” — with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kolo Muani still top of the list.BFW analysisWhile Alvarez presents an interesting option for Bayern, his contract until 2028 suggests that it would take a mega bid to lure the youngster to Munich. Whether he would be any cheaper than someone like Kolo Muani is unclear. Furthermore, the World Cup winner is not a typical number nine in stature and play style — Bayern appear to require a more classic “9” of the Harry Kane ilk — a physical presence able to build up, win long balls and be a box option. Alavarez without doubt is one of Europe’s most exciting forwards and would be a real blockbuster signing by Bayern if they can pull it off. However, whether he is a better option than Kolo Muani or Kane — Bayern’s two other main targets — remains up for debate.

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<a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v3qVUP_R9V9BXuSbw2N-_QcBw2M=/0x0:5726x3817/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72432873/1493987861.0.jpg">FC Bayern München v 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam - FLYERALARM Frauen-Bundesliga</a> Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images Okay...who’s ready for a Harry Kane announcement with Bayern Munich? When <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> failed to convince Declan Rice to eschew <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com">Arsenal FC</a> in favor of Bavaria, the urgency from the club to round up another candidate to play as a defensive midfielder has been...lacking. While some fans are in near-panic mode over the position, Bayern Munich does not appear to be sweating the situation too much. In fact, there could be a reasoned approach to how Bayern Munich will approach filling the position — which is not necessarily a sure thing. According to Sport Bild’s Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl (as captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1677104398743355392?s=20">@iMiaSanMia</a>), the club is not going shoehorn a player into the role. When there were links to OGC Nice midfielder Khéphren Thuram earlier this week, they were quickly refuted for that reason: Bayern have enough players with Khéphren Thuram’s profile, therefore the Frenchman is not a topic at the club. Bayern only want a real #6 and not someone that ‘can also play there.’ Just a few weeks back, it seems that Bayern Munich did have more names on its list of candidates to play the No. 6 role, including Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, who is being courted by <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a>. Now, Alvarez could be finding his way back on Bayern Munich’s radar because he is a true defensive midfielder per Falk (via <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1677096505100959745?s=20">@iMiaSanMia</a>): Bayern have not yet ruled out a move for Edson Álvarez. The club is back in for the Mexican midfielder after his move to Dortmund fell through. Bayern remain on the market for a No. 6, although other positions have priority.Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg also detailed the situation surrounding Alvarez and indicated that Bayern Munich is aware of the Mexico international, but not actively pursuing him: Edson #Alvarez, still waiting for #BVB & Kehl as the door is not 100 % closed yet. Depends on Can/Özcan. But: No contact between Dortmund and the player in the last days.➡️ Bayern, still aware of Alvarez‘ open future but no approaches or negotiations. No transfer target at this stage ➡️ Same with Kalvin Phillips➡️ Goretzka definitely wants to stay. Whatever the case, Bayern Munich’s bosses could be content to enter the season with Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer, Rafael Guerreiro, or even Leon Goretzka manning the position. While the club is not interested in buying a player to experiment with a move, it seems to be more than willing to convince repurpose a few of its existing players to play the No. 6 role. <strong>Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Podcast: Season 2, Episode 52</strong>While <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> is expected to have an impactful summer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>, this period feels like the calm before the storm.Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro are signed, sealed, and delivered, while Kim Min-jae is expected to follow suit quickly (potentially by the time you read this!). Otherwise, there is A LOT of rumbling, but not much action otherwise for the Bavarians. As it stands, this seems like a good time to take a step back and look at the big picture of what is going on — including the BPW staff earning another award (thanks to all of you!). Let’s get to it: Some thoughts on BPW nailing down another “Best Club Podcast” Award from World Soccer Talk.Where things stand on Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Harry Kane — and why there are reasons to feel both optimistic and pessimistic. Plus, the new pecking order…

FC Bayern München Training Session Photo by Apinya Rittipo/Getty Images It does not appear as if anyone at Bayern Munich is fully aligned on this topic. Bayern Munich has been linked to a few defensive midfielders over the summer, but now it appears that manager Thomas Tuchel is making his first big push to bring in a player at that position since the club whiffed on convincing former West Ham star Declan Rice to spurn Arsenal FC in favor of Bavaria. According to Sky Sport journalist, Tuchel is making his move, but the club might not be as eager as the coach to start making offers on anyone: Thomas Tuchel wants a „holding six“. But this search is currently not a priority for the club. Because of #Kane & #Walker!

➡️ #Tchouameni, interesting profile. But currently not feasible. Neither as a permanent deal, nor as a loan.

➡️ Edson #Alvarez was offered to Bayern but… pic.twitter.com/zJBzKi0EmB— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 2, 2023Full content from the tweet is available below: Thomas Tuchel wants a „holding six“. But this search is currently not a priority for the club. Because of #Kane & #Walker!➡️ #Tchouameni, interesting profile. But currently not feasible. Neither as a permanent deal, nor as a loan. ➡️ Edson #Alvarez was offered to Bayern but he’s not a target for the bosses. @SkySportDEAfter Bayern Munich’s enthralling 4-3 win over Liverpool FC in Singapore, current holding midfielder (by name, but maybe not by playing style), Joshua Kimmich, was asked what he thought about Tuchel wanting a new player at the position. Kimmich appeared to be dumbfounded, said he was a No. 6, and ended the interview. @kerry_hau pic.twitter.com/TFYTS1t3Ru https://t.co/EFDesRJloR— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 2, 2023If you want to muddy the waters even more, Sport Bild’s Tobi Altschäffl captured some thoughts from Matthijs de Ligt on whether or not the team needed a player, who could truly play the position in the traditional sense:Does Bayern need a holding midfielder?

Matthijs de Ligt: "We don't have that now, that's the truth. If you have a holding #6, that's nice. If you don't have one, you have to work with other types of players."

[@altobelli13]— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 2, 2023Now, it is up to the squad planners and the coaching staff to figure out how to proceed. How that affects Kimmich — if at all — remains to be seen.

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