Man City join Bayern in the race for in-demand attacker | OneFootball

Manchester City have joined Bayern Munich in the race to sign Cologne attacker Said El Mala.

Pep Guardiola could be looking to bolster his attacking department next summer, and it appears that he has taken a keen interest in the 19-year-old.

Bayern are also in the mix, but the Bavarian giants could face intense competition for him.

What’s the latest on Said El Mala?

(Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

The Bavarian giants have made a perfect start to the season, winning eight games in a row in the Bundesliga.

They bolstered their forward department in the summer by signing Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson (on loan from Chelsea), and the squad will only get better when Jamal Musiala returns to full training after his long absence.

Vincent Kompany could still be looking to add more depth and quality in that area, and El Mala has emerged as a potential option for Bayern.

Christian Falk told CFBayern that Man City have made calls to Cologne to check on El Mala, while PSG and Inter Milan are also keen.

He said: “It is TRUE: Reported Bayern target Said El Mala is catching the eye of PSG and Inter Milan.Bayern have him on the list. They’re not so afraid of these two clubs.

“However, we heard in Munich, and this could be interesting for the Premier League, that Manchester City also have him on their list. When City are at the table, Bayern Munich are always aware that things could get a little risky, as the two clubs are playing a similar style and Pep Guardiola is an attractive coach for a young player.

“So, Bayern told FC Köln, “If there are any calls from Man City, please give us a signal to also make an offer.” It’s not a matching right, to be absolutely clear, as that’s always in written form.”

Bayern need to spend big for Said El Mala

According to Florian Plettenberg, several clubs are looking to sign El Mala permanently and send him back to Cologne on loan for the rest of the season.

The price for the attacker, who has scored three Bundesliga goals in two starts, is rising, and €30–40m are currently not enough.

El Mala is happy at the club, and he is not pushing for a move.

From Bayern’s perspective, they need to decide on the future of Serge Gnabry, who has been outstanding this season.

The German winger has a contract with Bayern until the end of the season, and if he extends his deal, Bayern may not be willing to invest heavily in El Mala.

It has been suggested that Gnabry is willing to take a pay cut to remain at the Allianz Arena.

El Mala is a cracking talent, no doubt, but Bayern should wait and observe how he progresses before making a final call.