Declan Rice is Thomas Tuchel’s desired candidate for number six role at Bayern Munich

Sky Germany reports that West Ham’s Declan Rice is Thomas Tuchel’s chosen candidate to fill the number six role at Bayern Munich.

There has already been talks between Rice’s representatives and Bayern Munich, while the 24-year-old can also imagine a change to Bayern. However, West Ham demand a high price for Rice, they have already rejected a bid of €80m from Arsenal for the 24-year-old, which is already too high for Bayern. Both parties see the move as unrealistic due to the high price. 

If Bayern are to try and bid for Rice, players in midfield will need to be sold. Along with Marcel Sabitzer one of Ryan Gravenberch or Leon Goretzka could be sold. Gravenberch is seen as unsellable, but if a suitable offer for the 21-year-old comes in they will consider a move. While Goretzka has struggled in the second half of the season, but it remains unclear if Bayern will sell the 28-year-old. 

Bayern had also considered Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Marco Verratti (PSG) and Adrian Rabiot (Juventus) but nothing was pursued.

While Tuchel had campaigned for Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) but it would be difficult to finance a deal and the Dutch international does not fit the profile Bayern is looking for. 

The aim of bringing in another defensive midfielder will allow Joshua Kimmich to utilise his attacking qualities. The midfielder has showcased these at times this season, such as in Bayern’s 2-0 win against Hertha Berlin in April. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan