Bayern Munich identify target to strengthen number nine position | OneFootball

It is no secret that Bayern Munich will look to strengthen the attack in the summer transfer window. The Bavarian club has been linked with several wingers, while they are also putting in efforts to clinch a deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

Apart from wingers and Wirtz, Bayern may also look to strengthen the number nine position in the summer. The record champions do not want a world-class striker since Harry Kane has shown no signs of decline. However, they need an able deputy for the English striker to manage his workload.

According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern are interested in Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt. The 24-year-old is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Premier League clubs.

Burkardt has been in fine form for Mainz in the Bundesliga this season. He has scored 15 goals in 22 Bundesliga appearances. The German striker also has two assists to his name.

With his contract expiring in 2027, Mainz can afford to keep him for one more season unless an interested club comes up with a significant offer. It remains to be seen if Burkardt is fine with being a backup striker at Bayern ahead of a World Cup year. Courtesy of good form at the club level, Burkardt was part of Julian Nagelsmann's German squad during the current international break.

Mathys Tel could leave Bayern on a permanent deal

Bayern’s search for a backup striker suggests Mathys Tel may not return to Munich in the summer. The French striker struggled for form and game time under Vincent Kompany this season, which forced him to go out on loan to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

The North London side has the option to sign Tel for €60 million. However, the French forward has a big say in completing a permanent move. Chelsea and Manchester United had shown interest in the French forward during the winter transfer window.

Thomas Muller or Jamal Musiala have been deployed as a false nine in the absence of Harry Kane this season. The team loses the focal point of the attack when Kane is on the sidelines, which makes signing a backup number nine essential in the summer. In an ideal scenario, Bayern get a cheap striker instead of spending a big fee on someone like Burkardt. They may not have a lot of money left for a striker if a deal for Wirtz is agreed with Bayer Leverkusen.