German legend Matthaus questions Bayern Munich's link to Bundesliga sensation
Bayern Munich have faced some stern questions from former player and legend Lothar Matthaus over their interest in a Bundesliga sensation.
The Bavarians have struggled to secure their transfer targets this summer, and until now, they have completed only a couple of free transfers.
They are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements to fill up the void left by Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller, who will leave after the Club World Cup.
The German champions are pushing to sign VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade and they have reportedly agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old, and only Stuttgart stand between the player and joining Bayern Munich.
A few days ago, Stuttgart's sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth crushed the Bayern Munich links as believes Woltemade's journey with the club will continue beyond this summer.
Matthaus feels Woltemade is the right player for Bayern, but he has doubts over the transfer fee discussed between the two teams, and he indicated staying in Stuttgart might be for the best.
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"I've been saying it for a long time: Woltemade is a player for Bayern. I think it's right Bayern are trying to get him. Although I think a €60m transfer fee is too low," Matthaus told BILD.
"If €80-100m had been mentioned, it wouldn't have surprised me. It might be good for Bayern to think ahead and get Woltemade as a false 9 for the post-Harry Kane era."
"If I were his management, I wouldn't be negotiating a transfer for next season, but rather for the season after. Woltemade has had a dream year at Stuttgart. Everything has happened very quickly.
"With the DfB Pokal win, with the national team in the Nations League, and now with the success with the U21s. At Stuttgart, he will get plenty of playing time next season and can develop further in calm for another year."
Matthaus is unsure where Woltemade fits at Bayern Munich
Following multiple rejections in signing a player for the left flank, Bayern Munich have changed their strategy and are pushing for a versatile forward in the style of Woltemade.
The young German has similarities with Muller as is very assured with his ball control and movement in and around the final third.
If he moves to Bavaria, Vincent Kompany may be forced to tweak his formation and play him upfront alongside Kane.
However, Matthaus has his doubts over Woltemade's position at Bayern because of the presence of Kane and Jamal Musiala.
"If Bayern signs Woltemade now, he has to play. That changes the dynamics of their game. Woltemade isn't a true number 9, nor a true number 10. In his own way, he's a Thomas MĂĽller imitation.
"He also plays behind the striker for the U21s, just as he would operate behind Kane at Bayern. But then Musiala would have to move to the left and start his runs from there – which is no problem for him."
Woltemade's stock has seen a sharp rise, as he guided Stuttgart to the DFB-Pokal title last season, and netted 17 goals across competitions.
He also made his Germany senior team debut against Portugal in last month's Nations League semifinals. Later, he finished the U21 Euros as the highest scorer with six goals and three assists as Germany ended as runners-up.