Acquiring the services of a striker has been a priority for Bayern since 2021 after Robert Lewandowski departed in favour of joining Barcelona. Sadio Mane was signed from Liverpool last summer as a quick fix, but his recent move to Saudi Arabia only highlights the unsuccessful nature of the transfer.
Tottenham star Kane was therefore shortlisted as a top target once again, and Tuchel green-lighted his pursuit. Several rounds of talks have taken place with Spurs as a result, and it has been speculated that the England international was keen to head to the Bundesliga but the plan may be put on pause until next summer when he becomes a free agent.
According to The Athletic, the 30-year-old is now ‘leaning towards staying’ at Spurs this summer despite ongoing negotiations. The striker wanted his future to be resolved before the 2023/24 Premier League campaign began and, given that Bayern and Spurs remain £25million apart in valuations, an agreement looks unlikely to be reached before Sunday’s opener against Brentford.
Bayern will insist on signing Kane in what remains of the transfer window but must also be weary that they need to acquire a No 9 sooner rather than later.
An alternative right-back is also set to be on the shopping list for Tuchel over the coming weeks, with Manchester City managing to convince Walker to stay at the club and potentially put pen to paper on a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium rather than leaving in favour of Bayern.
The Athletic report that the defender has decided to remain with City despite ‘verbally agreeing’ terms with the Bundesliga champions. The former Sheffield United star has held talks with Pep Guardiola since it was revealed that an agreement had been reached with Bayern, and the Spaniard appears to have persuaded Walker to perform a drastic U-turn.
City have tabled a second contract offer for the right-back which is more lucrative than Bayern’s in the hope of putting any doubts to bed, which Walker is considering signing. The reigning Premier League title holders have made it abundantly clear that the 33-year-old remains a key part of their plans for the future, especially after parting ways with several experienced players already this summer.