Bayern Munich ‘very pessimistic’ about completing moves for Manchester City’s Jerome Boateng & Bayer Leverkusen’s Arturo Vidal – sporting director

Christian Nerlinger, Bayern München Sporting Director

Related Links

Teams

Players

Following widespread reports concerning the possible signings of Manchester City‘s Jerome Boateng and Bayer Leverkusen‘s Arturo Vidal, Bayern Munich have issued official statements on their transfer targets.

Both players have expressed their desire to move to Munich but their respective clubs do not want to sell.

“Jerome Boateng insists on a move to Munich because he sees it as an outstanding opportunity,” said Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger.

However, he explained that City’s demands are currently preventing the deal. The transfer fee requested is one that Bayern “by far are unwilling to pay.”

Nerlinger added that should City refuse to lower their valuation, which is estimated to be in the region of £18 million, he is “very pessimistic that the transfer will be made.”

The situation with Vidal is similar; in spite of the player’s public declaration of his intent to join Bayern, Nerlinger explained: “We have also heard the statements of Bayer Leverkusen’s leaders.”

In recent weeks, Leverkusen’s Rudi Voller and Wolfgang Holzhauser have categorically rejected the sale of their star midfielder to a rival club and explained their intent to keep the player.

On Vidal, Nerlinger said: “We must also wait.”

Should the 24-year old Chilean not be allowed to move this summer, he is expected to join Munich on a free transfer next year. However, he has become a highly coveted target in recent weeks, with AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus and Arsenal among his potential suitors.

However, there was some positive news as Japanese youngster Takashi Usami will join the German record champions next month from Gamba Osaka. The player announced his transfer early this morning, and Bayern corroborated his words with a public statement of their own.

“He will play in the Japanese league until it ends in mid-July and then come to Munich,” Nerlinger explained.

The sporting director is “happy that he comes to us because he is a very big talent”.

The 19-year old is seen as a back-up for oft-injured wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, and comes on a one-year loan with an option to buy.

Missing from the statement was word on a deal for Tranmere Rovers’ youngster Dale Jennings, who was recently reported to be on the verge of making a transfer to the Munich giants.