Bayern Munich open talks with Declan Rice ahead of summer move

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By Martin Graham | 23rd May 2023

Reports coming out of Germany indicate that Bayern Munich have made concrete moves to sign England Three Lions midfielder Declan Rice in the summer.

The Bavarians were rumoured to be interested in the 24-year-old West Ham United captain, who is valued at £100-£150 million. This is because Thomas Tuchel, who has been the club’s boss since March 2023, requested that the club look into signing the player.

Tuchel is an admirer of the Chelsea academy product and had tried to take him back to Stamford Bridge when he was manager of the London club. The Blues still hold an interest in him and are also pursuing the possibility of signing him in the summer.

Other Premier League sides like Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested in him but the possibility of winning a UEFA Champions League is higher with Bayern Munich and this could entice the Englishman, who has stated on many occasions that he would like to compete for and win the trophy at least once in his career.

Bayern’s main competition will be from Arsenal and not even Chelsea, who were already talking with Rice and his representatives when Tuchel was in their dugout.

The Gunners are preparing a club record £92 million bid for the West Ham midfielder because Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the player and has made plans ahead of next season with Rice in them.

Tuchel is also making plans with Rice in mind and it is reported that he could sweeten the deal for the 24-year-old by making a move for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, his childhood friend.

Bayern also believe that Rice will fit into their system with the possibility of Joshua Kimmich leaving the Allianz Arena growing by the day.

The 28-year-old right back who has played his best football in the middle of the park is believed to be enticed by the idea of playing under his childhood idol, Xavi Hernandez, at Barcelona. The Catalan club are also exploring ways within their means to sign the former Red Bull Leipzig man in the summer as they seek reinforcements for their squad.

Kimmich would come in as a direct replacement for the departing captain Sergio Busquets, who has announced that he will be calling it quits on his trophy-laden 15-year Barcelona and LaLiga career on the last day of the season.

Kimmich, who can function as a pivot will slot into the role that Busquets will leave empty and play alongside Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Gavi and possibly Ruben Neves, who is being touted as another possible midfield signing for Barcelona.

Rice, who Bayern want to replace Kimmich, has not spoken about his future yet but the assumption is that he would like to continue in England.