Bayern Munich have reached a verbal agreement with Marcel Sabitzer, but are yet to agree terms with RB Leipzig for the rumoured Arsenal and Tottenham target, according to Goal.
The Austrian playmaker is in the final year of his contract, but does not see his future in Saxony. Sabitzer joined Die Roten Bullen in 2014 from RB Salzburg and helped the club to establish a place at the peak of the German top-flight after promotion in his debut term.
Sabitzer made his 229th outing for Leipzig as a second-half substitute at home to Stuttgart last Friday. He is yet to start a Bundesliga game this term after the opening two matchdays, after scoring eight and assisting four goals in 27 appearances, starting 24, last season.
It is possible that Sabitzer now leaves Leipzig before Jesse Marsch’s side visit Wolfsburg on Sunday. Bayern Munich have reached a verbal agreement over a contract with rumoured Arsenal and Tottenham target Sabitzer. Bild have previously noted that Mikel Arteta’s club explored signing the 27-year-old, who Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs chiefs also want.
Arsenal and Tottenham may still be able to sign Sabitzer, too, as Bayern Munich have not made Leipzig an offer. The Bavarian outfit are not fully convinced they should spend £13m with Corentin Tolisso and Michael Cuisance yet to leave.
Bayern Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic has been in close contact with Sabitzer’s agent over a move to the Allianz Arena. Leipzig have also marked Barcelona prospect Ilaix Moriba as a possible replacement, with the 18-year-old available for £13m.
Should Arsenal or Tottenham rival Bayern Munich for Leipzig captain Sabitzer?
Arsenal or Tottenham would face a challenge in trying to convince Sabitzer to leave Leipzig and ignore Bayern Munich’s interest. SportBild report the Austrian wants to join Der FCB as he supported the Bavarian outfit in his youth. They are also managed by Julian Nagelsmann after he left Die Roten Bullen at the end of last season.
But if Bayern are not sure of paying what Leipzig want for their captain, the north London rivals can strike. And Arteta or Nuno Espirito Santo can add a creative option full of energy and drive to their engine room. Although Nagelsmann knows well what Sabitzer can offer.
Nagelsmann said, via Bundesliga.com: “It doesn’t matter if he’s tired or in great shape, you know exactly what you’re going to get from him. Hunger, excellent tactical awareness and the ability to kick-on in the last 20 minutes if you need it.”
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