RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has told Sport Bild that he expects Konrad Laimer will play for the Bundesliga club next season, despite interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Laimer has generated speculation surrounding his future this summer, having entered into the final year of his contract in Saxony. Die Roten Bullen last extended his terms in 2020 as reward for his displays at the Red Bull Arena. But he is now weighing up a new adventure.
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The 25-year-old joined the German outfit from their Austrian sister club, RB Salzburg, five years ago for around €6m (£5m). He has since become an instrumental presence with 161 appearances across all competitions so far, while hitting 11 goals and creating another 18.
Arsenal, Tottenham among clubs interested in Laimer of RB Leipzig
His box-to-box performances have caught the eye of some of Europe’s big-hitters this year with the 24-cap Austria international’s contract winding down. 90min report that Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa are interested, while Manchester United have considered a bid.
Ralf Rangnick recommended Laimer to the Old Trafford hierarchy during his caretaker spell as head coach last term. Borussia Dortmund, too, admire what Laimer has achieved at RB Leipzig. Fabrizio Romano also notes Bayern Munich have an €18-20m (£15-18m) bid ready.
Julian Nagelsmann is pushing Der FCB to sign Laimer, who 90min also add has rejected RB Leipzig’s offer of a new contract. The midfielder’s heart is instead set on reuniting with his former Red Bull Arena boss at the Allianz Arena after 46 games under the German coach.
Mintzlaff expects Laimer to stay in Saxony into final year of contract
Yet RB Leipzig CEO Mintzlaff believes the feeling in Saxony is currently that Laimer will stay for at least the final year of his contract, despite the interest shown by Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich et al. He has also opened up on the debate within the Red Bull Arena.
“On the one hand, the will of the players plays a role. On the other hand, the goals of the club are greater than individuals,” Mintzlaff said, via quotes by Bulinews. “Konni Laimer is a very important part of our game, we do not want to let him go.
“We have discussed internally what would have to happen for us to think about selling him. But you can assume that the probability of Laimer playing for us next season is significantly higher than the probability of him playing elsewhere.”
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