Bayern Munich News: Bryan Zaragoza likely to return; Tottenham eyeing Fisnik Asllani; and MORE!

Munich—Bayern Munich are bracing for the early return of winger Bryan Zaragoza after AS Roma informed the German champions they will not trigger the €13 million purchase option inserted in the Spaniard’s January loan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The clause would have become obligatory had Roma secured Champions League or Europa League qualification and had the 24-year-old featured in at least 50 percent of available minutes. Neither benchmark is within reach: Zaragoza has not played a single minute in Roma’s last three Serie A fixtures and the club sit outside the European qualification places with only a handful of matches remaining.

Instead, Roma will pay Bayern a €500,000 penalty to terminate the arrangement, six weeks after the player’s previous loan at Celta Vigo was cut short to facilitate the switch to the Italian capital. Zaragoza, whose contract with Bayern runs until 2029, is now expected back in Munich this summer, leaving the club to explore a cut-price sale or another loan, most likely to Spain.

The development marks another setback for a player once viewed as a cornerstone of Bayern’s long-term wide attack alongside Mathys Tel.

Asllani on Spurs’ radar

Tottenham Hotspur have retained their interest in Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, BILD reports. The north London club first monitored the 23-year-old last summer and have been encouraged by his productivity this season—nine goals and eight assists in 27 outings. Asllani, who can operate across the front line, is also believed to be on Bayern’s internal list of attacking targets.

Salah, Lewandowski, Jackson dominate transfer chatter

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah has been linked with a sentimental return to Roma, but the winger’s €12 million net annual wage is three times what the Serie A side are prepared to offer. Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah remain in contention for the soon-to-be free agent.

Juventus have sounded out Robert Lewandowski’s camp over a potential move for the 37-year-old Barcelona striker, whose deal expires in June. Juve officials travelled to Warsaw this week to watch the Poland captain score in a 2-1 win over Albania, while they also weigh contract talks for Dusan Vlahovic and a possible swoop for Randal Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle United, meanwhile, are considering a summer bid for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson after offloading Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British-record fee last year. Magpies boss Eddie Howe is eager to inject fresh firepower into a side that sits ninth in the Premier League and has been eliminated from every cup competition.

Midfield battle heats up

Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes, TEAMtalk understands. Chelsea and Manchester City are also tracking the 25-year-old, who registered his fourth assist of the campaign in Monday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Bayern notes

Bayern remain adamant that Alphonso Davies will not be sold, while Michael Olise and emerging talent Lennart Karl are viewed as central to the club’s present and future plans.

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