Report: Chelsea set to battle Arsenal in the race to sign £69m Bayern Munich star | OneFootball

Rising Interest in Bayern Prodigy Lennart Karl

Bayern Munich look to have unearthed another gem from their academy, and Europe’s elite are already taking notice. CaughtOffside reported that representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City attended Bayern’s recent Champions League fixture to watch 17 year old right winger Lennart Karl. The youngster delivered with a calm finish against Club Brugge, a moment that has accelerated the growing excitement around him.

According to the original CaughtOffside report, “representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City were in attendance to watch the youngster” and that interest is expected to intensify over the coming months.

Karl has been highly regarded inside Bayern for some time, and there is now substance behind the hype.

Photo: IMAGO

Karl’s Rapid Rise in Germany

Karl has already registered five Bundesliga appearances this season, contributing an assist and that eye catching Champions League goal. The performance levels are impressive for any teenager, never mind one trusted in such a high pressure environment.

As CaughtOffside detail, “within Bayern’s campus he has long been regarded as one of the academy’s brightest prospects.” His skill set is modern and tailored for top tier European football. Karl stretches the pitch by receiving on the touchline, yet is equally at ease drifting into half spaces to link with midfielders and full backs. Add intensity in the press and you have a profile that Premier League sporting directors value greatly.

One source close to the market suggested, “Karl combines the discipline of Bayern’s system with individual flair, he looks built for English football.”

Transfer Value and Timing

Bayern are calm about the attention. Karl signed his first professional deal on 1 June 2025, which runs until 2028. That contractual security places the German champions in a commanding position as interest grows. CaughtOffside report that Bayern value Karl in the €70 to 80 million bracket and see him as a central figure for their next cycle.

The expectation is that January 2026 will remain quiet, with clubs likely to wait until the summer. As the original article stated, “serious approaches could arrive in the summer of 2026 rather than mid season.”

A recruitment contact in Germany suggested, “any club wanting Karl must be prepared to pay a premium, Bayern do not part with crown jewels without it.”

Premier League Suitors and Next Steps

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City all appear strong fits for Karl’s attributes. Technical quality, tactical intelligence, and pressing ability are fundamental in all three systems. The question is whether any of them would invest such a significant fee in a player who, while hugely gifted, is still developing.

For now, Bayern intend to keep him, but if progress continues then the summer of 2026 could develop into a fierce contest for one of Europe’s brightest young attackers.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Lennart Karl sounds like the kind of signing that would electrify Stamford Bridge. With Enzo Maresca now in his second season, Chelsea are finally building an identity based on possession, structure, and intelligent pressing. Karl feels like a player who would thrive in this environment. Chelsea fans have longed for a right sided attacker who offers both creativity and consistent end product, and Karl’s profile ticks those boxes.

The valuation of €70 to 80 million is hefty, but supporters have seen the club invest similar figures in potential before. The difference here is that Karl has the footballing education of Bayern, a club that produces mentally strong and tactically polished talents. That reduces risk. If Chelsea want to compete with Manchester City again, these are the battles they need to win.

A fan viewpoint might be, “Karl has that special aura, the type of talent you commit to early, because he can become a superstar.” With Maresca improving young players at pace, the thought of Karl combining with Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku is mouthwatering. Chelsea should monitor him closely, and if progress continues, they should be ready to strike in 2026.