Bayern Munich turn to Arsenal’s Gael Clichy & Genoa’s Rafinha after being priced out of move for Fabio Coentrao

Gael Clichy – Arsenal, (Getty Images)

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EXCLUSIVE
by Nikolai Mende

Bayern Munich‘s search for defensive reinforcements will go on as Benfica have refused to budge on their £26 million valuation of Fabio Coentrao. 

Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger met with a Benfica delegation on May 10 but a source confirmed that the Portugal international was no longer a viable option due to the club’s steep asking price.

With his current deal set to expire in 2012, the Frenchman could leave for as little as £5.5m. However, Inter are currently believed to be in pole position to sign the 25-year-old.

Rafinha, formerly of Schalke, is also in the frame. A representative from his current club, Genoa, confirmed to Goal.com that the Italian side would be willing to release the Brazilian for around £7.8m.

The 25-year-old Brazilian is not the most desirable candidate for Bayern on account that his move would require Philipp Lahm to shift to the left side of defence. Nonetheless, he is Bayern’s top right-footed choice, with Ajax’s Gregory van Der Wiel no longer a target for the Bavarians.

Following the developments in recent weeks, Bayern are now in no hurry to end their search for a defender. The Bundesliga club are content to be patient in the hope that Benfica decrease their demands or another option becomes available before the end of the transfer window.

Coent-row | Disagreement over fee has forced Bayern to look elsewhere

Bayern’s reluctance to spend big on Coentrao could again open the door to Real Madrid. In the past fortnight the Spanish side have reportedly increased their interest in the 25-year-old, despite his high price-tag and the emergence of Marcelo as a left-back of world repute.