Bayern Munich are interested in Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap
Bayern Munich have interest in Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap and will rival Borussia Dortmund for the German defender’s signature
- Armel Bella-Kotchap looks set for a summer move to the German top-flight
- The Saints star is being chased by both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund
- WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 2 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap could be on his way back to Germany after spending just one-year on England’s south-coast.
Mail Sport recently revealed that the 21-year-old was in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a deal, however they are now set to be rivalled by Bayern Munich.
The two clubs have previously waged boardroom war over transfer targets and now look set to battle it out for Bella-Kotchap in an effort to secure his services.
Southampton have already lost key personnel in James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia this summer and are now prepared for the departure of Bella-Kotchap.
Manager, Russell Martin, has been able to reinvest funds raised through sales in his squad with Southampton bringing new talent to the club to help them return to the Premier League.
Armel Bella-Kotchap looks set to leave Southampton this summer in a bid to return to Germany
Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic (left) and Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel (right) are both keen on the defender
Bayern’s interest in the defender is strong and the player is open to returning to Germany this summer after only one-year playing in English football.
Saints forked out £10m to Vfl Bochum for the defender last summer and are looking to make a significant profit after the player’s rise over the previous 12 months.
Bell-Kotchap has played 26 times for the club, but looks to be heading for the exit door already at St Mary’s as German giants circle.
Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel has already splashed out £100m on bringing in Harry Kane and has strengthened his defence with Kim Min-jae from Napoli.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Bella-Kotchap (middle) is being chased by both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich
Bella-Kotchap would represent an investment in youth, however the talented centre-back has already demonstrated his ability to settle quickly and become a driving force in defence.
Three separate Southampton managers last season – Ralph Hasenhuttle, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles – were all keen to get him in the starting team as they unsuccessfully attempted to steer the club clear of relegation.
The biggest concern for any new suitors will be the 21-year-old’s injury record after he struggled to keep fit last season.
Bella-Kotchap sat on the side-lines for 74 days last season as he nursed various physical problems and missed 15 games for Southampton in the process.
IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.
It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Source: Read Full Article