Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Newcastle United competing for Ousmane Diomande; Napoli eyeing Mathys Tel; Real Madrid confident on Alphonso Davies pursuit; Carlo Ancelotti pleading for help?; and MORE!

On Thursday, we found out that Bayern Munich had renewed its interest in Sporting CP center-back Ousane Diomande — with a move on the table for this month or during the summer.

However, it will not be easy to get the 21-year-old as he carries a hefty price tag and also because Newcastle United and Arsenal FC want Diomande:

Newcastle United and Arsenal are the clubs who have been linked most over the past year. Eddie Howe’s side had a scout recently watch Sporting, just earlier this month. In October it was reported Arsenal were the strongest club in the pursuit of the player and there’s been several further reports since then.

The 21-year-old has an €80m buyout clause, although it’s thought a deal in the region of €50-60m would be accepted.

That still feels potentially high for the central defender, especially after period of inconsistent form at the start of last year, something Arsenal and Newcastle United will be aware of.

It remains to be seen on whether or not Bayern Munich takes a pursuit of Diomande seriously. Regardless, a third center-back will be needed if Eric Dier leaves the club during the summer as is expected.

Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané and Raphaël Guerreiro were named to kicker’s Bundesliga Team of the Week:

Bayern Munich is fresh off a 5-0 stomping of Hoffenheim, but the club could be facing bigger battles in the boardroom than on the pitch these days.

Let’s talk about it all. This is what we have on tap for this episode of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

• Here comes the winger surge — and how about Mathys Tel making some progress?
• Let’s talk about Bayern Munich’s rumored signing of Tom Bischof. What it means, what about the timing, and how likely is it that the deal is already fully done?
• Is Jonas Urbig the next one? Bayern Munich might have its limits in how good it feels about the FC Köln goalkeeper.
• What’s going on with Alphonso Davies?
• Should we make anything out of the Ousmane Diomande rumors?

Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel seems unlikely to skip town this month given the support he has received from the club both publicly and privately. Still, Napoli is keeping a close eye on him given the transfer situation surrounding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia:

Mathys Tel is one of the names on Naples’ list as a possible replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But Tel wants to stay at Bayern.

As of now, it feels unlikely that Tel will be going anywhere, any time soon — but if he has a change of heart in the next two weeks, he will not have a shortage of suitors.

“Help wanted!” — Carlo Ancelotti (maybe).

The Real Madrid boss wants some reinforcements this month:

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s pleas for reinforcements in the January transfer window have been dismissed internally by club officials, a report has claimed.

Concerns about a lack of depth in defence have been exacerbated once again this season following injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, while David Alaba made it back to the bench in the Super Cup final for the first time since tearing his ACL in December 2023.

The Athletic state Ancelotti has made no secret of his desire for reinforcements this month amid concerns that Madrid will fall short of their 2024/25 targets, but those feelings are not shared by those in charge.

Indeed, club officials do not believe significant signings are wise in the January transfer window – their last winter signing was the £26m acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Reinier in 2020.

Midweek Bundesliga action means Marcus goes over the games one by one without any pre-show notes! Delivering his analysis acapella-style through the Matchday 17 action, using only the limited ball knowledge he has in his head!

As a result, this episode discusses:

• Why Erik ten Hag to Borussia Dortmund might be a good idea
• Holstein Kiel: The warriors from the North!
• Marcus’ love letter to the beautiful football club that is VfL Bochum
• Why RB Leipzig are not ‘serious people’ …and much more!

Just a week ago, it seemed like Alphonso Davies was going to re-up with Bayern Munich. Now, it feels…a little more uncertain — and Real Madrid will be there to make him a nice offer:

Real Madrid appeared to be on the back foot in the race for Alphonso Davies‘ signature, but the Canadian left-back’s long-running transfer saga has taken another twist. After talks in Germany between Bayern Munich and his agent have run on for the past week in Bavaria, it appears the door has been opened for Los Blancos.

According to Marca, Real Madrid are much closer to getting the green light from Davies than thought last week. Despite ongoing negotiations with Bayern, a deal is yet to be reached, something that increases the optimism in the Spanish capital. Having agreed terms with Real Madrid nearly a year ago, what gives Los Blancos increased optimism is that Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh has given the order for lawyers to draw up the contracts, putting into writing what they had agreed on.

Naturally, Davies still has to sign said contract, but Real Madrid are taking it as a positive sign. They will not alter their offer, but Bayern have pushed themselves to get close to Davies’ demands, and their latest offer puts the left-back only behind Harry Kane in their salary scale. Real Madrid are confident that his desire to play for Real Madrid will end up tipping the scale in their favour.

Gotta love #SwapDealSZN — Manchester United and Juventus are — allegedly — discussing a trade of Joshua Zirkzee and Dušan Vlahović:

Manchester United and Juventus in advanced talks over a swap deal involving Joshua Zirkzee and Dušan Vlahović.

However, Zirkzee might actually want to just stay in England:

Manchester United have been informed, that Joshua #Zirkzee wants to stay in winter!

He has no intention of leaving the club. He wants to stay, prove himself, and believes in his abilities.

Juventus are interested but there has never been any commitment from the player or advanced talks yet between Juventus and Zirkzee’s management, despite other reports. #MUFC

Bayern Munich were not very hospitable to visiting Hoffenheim.

The Bavarians came out on fire, racked up two early goals and cruised to a 5-0 victory over a Hoffenheim side that is completely off the rails.

Let’s talk about how it all went down and more on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show. This is what we have on tap:

• A look at the starting XI and what was surprising.
• A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
• Bayern Munich came out with a determined look and looked like it knew it needed to get out to a quick start. The Bavarians just dominated.
• What is wrong with Hoffenheim?
• Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.

Bayern Munich has once again been linked to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City are all competing for him as well:

Arsenal are set to beat Liverpool and Manchester City to the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer, says The Daily Mail. Zubimendi is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe and has a release clause of €60m in his contract. Liverpool and City had shown the most interest in the Spain international but the Gunners are reported to have swooped to secure his signature, with a deal “virtually completed” for the end of the season.

The Saudis still hold a strong interest in Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr.:

Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior remains on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, reports Relevo. It is reported that the league are prepared to make the 24-year-old the face of their competition should he accept a move there, and they are preparing to offer him a significant contract amid hopes of persuading him to decide against extending his stay at the Bernabéu. He has previously been linked with Al Ahli and has a release clause of €1 billion.