As reported by Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are considering a potential move for Southampton centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap.
The 21-year-old is held in high regard at the Säbener Straße, and with Benjamin Pavard departing Bavaria, Bella-Kotchap is certainly on Bayern’s radar as a possible replacement. Internal discussions surrounding a move for the defender have already taken place, leading to the German champions enquiring about Bella-Kotchap’s availability.
However, Bayern will have to fight off competition from Borussia Dortmund, who had looked close to signing the German international. Nevertheless, there is currently no agreement between Bella-Kotchap and Dortmund with Die Schwarzgelben preferring an initial loan deal for the former Bochum defender.
Last season, Bella-Kotchap featured 24 times for Southampton in the Premier League, however, he could not prevent the Saints from relegation to the Championship. Yet to feature at the beginning of Southampton’s campaign in the second tier, the club are looking to offload the youngster, who Patrick Berger of Sport1 reported could cost €20m.
Nonetheless, Bella-Kotchap is not the only Southampton player linked with a move to the Bundesliga. The Saints have already rebuffed one offer for Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen, however, Die Werkself are close to matching the wingers’ valuation.
GGFN | Will Shopland
