On the same day Bayern Munich announced the arrival of Kim Min-jae from Napoli, the news of the Italians’ interest in Ryan Gravenberch reached the surface.
According to CalcioNapoli24, the reigning Serie A holders have taken advantage of a long dialogue with the Bavarians over the South Korean’s move to Munich to discuss the future of the Dutch midfielder.
Previously linked with AC Milan and Liverpool, the 21-year-old has emerged as a wanted property on the market, with his long-term prospects at the Allianz Arena hanging by a thread.
Gravenberch left his boyhood club Ajax to launch his Bundesliga career last summer for €18 million, but his adventure at Bayern has started with a whimper rather than a bang.
He found first-team opportunities hard to come by in his first season in Germany, making just three league starts under Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
The Dutchman’s underwhelming time in Munich has ramped up talks of his potential summer departure, although Bayern president Herbert Hainer recently played down exit rumours.
While the record-time Bundesliga champions may not consider selling Gravenberch outright, the possibility of a loan move that would help him play more regularly is still on the cards.
Napoli have used negotiations for Min-jae’s transfer to introduce the midfielder’s name to conversations as they seek a replacement for Tanguy Ndombele.
Rudi Garcia stated in Tuesday’s press conference that the Partenopei are on the lookout for a new midfielder after the Frenchman’s loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur ended last month.
The idea of taking Gravenberch on loan suits Napoli, considering they work with a tight budget, but the Italians want to include a buyout clause in a deal.
Bayern may strongly oppose such a prospect since they hope to integrate the Netherlands U-21 international into their squad as a potential long-term replacement for Joshua Kimmich.
Recently courted by Barcelona, the 28-year-old could be on his way out of Munich, with the Bavarians reportedly ready to listen to offers for their first-team stalwart.
