Chelsea have been linked with a move for former Liverpool star Sadio Mane ahead of the summer transfer window. The Senegal international only moved to Bayern Munich from Anfield last year, but his switch to fill the boots of Robert Lewandowski in attack hasn't work quite as planned.
The 31-year-old has 11 goal involvements in 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, having most recently been used as an option from the bench. It gives former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel a dilemma in how to turn Mane's fortunes around in Bavaria, having recently taken the job as Bayern manager.
There were further issues as the £30million man was alleged to have punched teammate Leroy Sane after defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League, leading to a suspension and fine from the club. "I am the first one to defend Sadio. I have known him a long time and I know him as a top pro," Tuchel told the press after the incident. "He is football pure. He has my deepest trust after the mistake he made."
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Despite that claim from the manager, reports have since suggested that an exit for Mane could be on the cards after just one-year at the club. Chelsea are said to have been linked with a potential switch to deal with their goal scoring concerns, with journalist Christian Falk claiming that Bayern would be willing to negotiate a deal.
He told CaughtOffside: "Meanwhile, FC Bayern is looking for a buyer for Sadio Mané. A trade with Osimhen would be appreciated but is unrealistic. Mané is said to earn €12m net in Munich. Naples doesn’t pay that.
"In Munich, however, people took notice, as it is said that Chelsea are interested in signing Mané. FC Bayern would be willing to negotiate if asked.”
It remains to be seen whether the Blues would make a move for Mane, especially given their emphasis on signing younger talent for the squad. However, the need for a goal scorer is clear and not an easy one to solve ahead of the transfer window.
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