Bayern Munich ‘rekindle interest in Frenkie de Jong’ – Barcelona ‘hoping for bids of at least £50m for Man United target… as Thomas Tuchel’s side ‘prepares war chest of £130m move to refresh squad

Bayern Munich have rekindled their interest in Frenkie de Jong and “inquired” about the possibility of signing the Barcelona midfielder, according to reports.

The German giants are set to make a statement in this summer’s transfer window, with Forbes claiming that the Bavarian club’s bosses have set aside a £130m war chest to spend on new talent this summer .

It comes amid major upheaval at the club, with reports claiming Zinedine Zidane is ‘one step away’ from being named Thomas Tuchel’s successor at the Bavarian outfit. Questions remain over whether he will join this summer, with some reporting that the former Real Madrid boss could be tempted to join Manchester United if Erik ten Hag leaves the club.

According to Relevo, Bayern have “rekindled their interest in De Jong” and while he says the 26-year-old is “happy” at the La Liga side, he claims “Barcelona will welcome good offers for the Dutch international “.

The outlet understands the cash-strapped club are hoping to receive offers of at least £43m-£50m for the former Man United target, as Barca president Joan Laporta seeks to raise more than £86 million in a bid to balance the club’s books before June 30. .

Thomas Tuchel’s side have already expressed interest in signing the Dutch international

It comes amid speculation that Zinedine Zidane was ‘on the verge’ of being named Bayern boss.

Thomas Tuchel’s side added the Dutchman to their transfer shortlist last summer, after dropping out of the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Decland Rice.

According to reports, Bayern saw De Jong as an “ideal candidate” to help them strengthen their midfield options.

It also comes as Thomas Tuchel reportedly inquired about the Dutch midfielder’s teammate Ronald Araujo, with Sky Germany journalist. Florian Plettenberg claiming in December that Bayern were interested in signing the defender.

Speculation has swirled recently, according to GOAL, that Bayern could return to land Araujo, who was sent off during their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek for a foul on Bradley Barcola.

Revelo, meanwhile, claims De Jong, who has been the target of many clubs in Europe’s top leagues since joining in 2019, will receive a ‘£15m loyalty bonus’ after deferring his salary during the pandemic of covid-19.

The 26-year-old has had a turbulent few years at Barcelona, ​​despite consistently performing for his side – making 29 appearances this season.

Relevo also claimed that the midfielder has caused growing discontent at Barcelona this season, after the Catalan side failed to capitalize on the success of their title-winning 2022-23 season.

In February, De Jong hit back at widespread speculation that he could move to Man United, amid a transfer saga that has been bubbling for several years. In 2022, United had tabled a bid of around £70million to sign the midfielder, but he opted to stay in Spain.

Despite this, United have maintained an interest in him ever since.

Barcelona are hoping to receive offers of at least £43-50 million for the 26-year-old star.

The Catalan club is looking to raise around £80 million to balance its books before June 30.

Ronald Araujo is another Barcelona star who has recently been on Bayern Munich’s radar.

Earlier this week, he urged his team to bounce back after Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League following a dramatic defeat to PSG at Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium.

“We scored to go 1-0 up and we already have a big advantage, but in Europe, when you play with ten men against a team like PSG, you know you are going to suffer,” he told reporters at Movistar. “We tried but in the end we couldn’t do it anymore.

“I had the feeling that Barcola’s throw-in was long and the ball was going towards our goalkeeper. I didn’t see the play but that’s the feeling I had.

“We tried, we fought but it wasn’t possible. It’s a big blow because we were convinced we could improve. There is no choice but to get up and try again next year.