Bayern plotting Sanchez swoop as Shaqiri nears Liverpool move.Liverpool’s move for Xherdan Shaqiri could be edging closer to completion as Bayern Munich look set to step up their interest in signing Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez as a replacement, CaughtOffside understands.
The Bavarian giants are keen to beat the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus to the signing of Sanchez this summer, with the Chilean World Cup ace seemingly available for a knock-down price of just £25m.
Big names such as Victor Valdes and Cesc Fabregas have already left Barcelona this summer as new manager Luis Enrique plots a major revamp of the squad that failed to win a trophy in 2013/14, and Sanchez looks like being the next big name to head for the exit as a number of top clubs show an interest in the 25-year-old.
However, it could be that the versatile attacker will now favour a move to work under his old manager Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena, with the Spaniard having initially signed Sanchez from Udinese during his time in charge of Barcelona.
Bayern are also set for something of a rebuilding process this summer after failing to repeat their treble success of 2012/13 this season, and the imminent departure of Shaqiri to Anfield could leave something of a gap in Guardiola’s attacking options.
Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic also looks likely to move on before next season after requesting a transfer, and Sanchez’s ability to play either out wide or upfront will appeal to Guardiola as he looks to bring in a partner for new signing Robert Lewandowski.
Bayern have been quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, and may wait until after the World Cup to make a formal approach for Sanchez, who will be hoping to stay in the competition with a win over host nation Brazil this afternoon.
This will come as something of a blow to Premier League giants Arsenal and United, who are both in the market for new attacking players themselves, but their rivals Liverpool will certainly be delighted if this move can help push through their signing of Shaqiri, who could join another addition in Adam Lallana in a new-look attack for Brendan Rodgers’ title hopefuls next season.
Bayern boss Guardiola also raided his old club Barcelona for the signing of Thiago Alcantara last summer.