Bayern eye Olmo as midfield gap widens on Sunday ahead of window

Bayern Munich have identified a midfield need as they approach the January window, and on Sunday they confirmed interest in Barcelona’s Spain forward Dani Olmo. The 28‑year‑old has struggled for a regular place since Fermin Lopez’s rise, prompting the German champions to line up a £69m bid. Bayern hope the creative midfielder can restore balance after a summer that left targets untouched.

Midfield vacancy and competition

Bayern’s summer business fell short of expectations, leaving the Bundesliga champions still hunting for a creative spark. With Fermin Lopez delivering brilliant form early in the season, Olmo has been relegated to a reduced role at the Blaugrana, creating a clear opening for a player of his profile. The club view the Spaniard as a potential regular starter, a status he lacks at Barcelona.

Olmo's price tag varies

Reports have placed the transfer fee at £43m, €60m, £69m and £86m, reflecting divergent valuations across sources. Barcelona originally committed more than €60m, including add‑ons, when they signed Olmo in the summer of 2024.

Signal required before any move

Bayern are waiting for a clear signal from Olmo and his representatives before any formal approach is made. So far there has been no contact between the parties, and the German side have said they will not act unless the Spanish international indicates openness to a switch.

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Other Bayern targets

In addition to Olmo, Bayern Munich have shown interest in Benfica’s 24‑year‑old Portugal defender Tomas Araujo, adding depth to their defensive options.

Premier League interest elsewhere

Real Madrid’s England defender Trent Alexander‑Arnold, 27, is not considering a move despite reported interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. Tottenham’s 25‑year‑old Dutch defender Micky van de Ven has attracted attention from both Liverpool and Manchester United, though a large fee would be required. Manchester United are also monitoring 22‑year‑old Spain left‑back Alejandro Balde, who could leave Barcelona in January. Defenders Fikayo Tomori, 28, and midfielder Ruben Loftus‑Cheek, 30, are set to leave AC Milan next year when their contracts expire in June.

Wider market activity

Barcelona continue to keep a close eye on Norway striker Erling Haaland, hoping the 26‑year‑old could become a realistic target this summer. AS Roma are expected to raise their asking price for Chelsea target Manu Kone to £86m in January after a rejected £43m offer in the summer. Real Madrid’s Spain defender Raul Asencio, 23, chose to stay despite three big‑money offers, including from Chelsea and Liverpool. Spanish full‑back Alex Jimenez is on loan from Bournemouth to Fiorentina, with an option to buy for £17m.

Bayern’s next step hinges on receiving a definitive indication from Olmo; without it the club may look to alternative targets such as Araujo or pursue other midfield options in the winter market. The lack of contact and Barcelona’s satisfaction with the Spaniard’s contributions add further obstacles to a January move.