Bayern Munich are reportedly set to double down in their attempts to sign Liverpool star Luis Diaz after Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury.
Musiala, aged 22, faces a prolonged absence due to an ankle fracture sustained during Bayern’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday.
The German national player was taken off the field on a stretcher shortly before the half-time mark in Atlanta, following a collision with PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, leading to worrying scenes as both teammates and opponents hurried to assist him.
And, according to German outlet BILD, Bayern remain keen on a move for Diaz, alongside Stuttgart and Germany Under 21 star Nick Woltemade.
Last week, it was reported by Mail Sport that Liverpool turned down an initial offer from the German club for Diaz, who has also garnered attention from Al-Nassr and Barcelona this summer.
Bayern Munich have reportedly made Liverpool star Luis Diaz a major target this summer
Bayern are looking for reinforcements after Jamal Musiala suffered a serious ankle injury
Diaz has attracted interest from several clubs, including Bayern, Barcelona and Al-Nassr
However, the BILD report claims that Bayern are still in talks with the forward and the Colombian has even told the club that he wants to join them.
Bayern had looked at Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and PSG’s Bradley Barcola, but a move for either star has not been possible, meaning Diaz is now their top target for the left wing.
Uli Hoeness, Bayern’s honorary president, had said over the weekend that ‘the left offensive side will certainly be addressed’, giving further credence to the Diaz speculation.
However, the report does add that Bayern are yet to open talks with Liverpool over any potential move.
Mail Sport has previously explained how Liverpool have made it very clear that Diaz is not for sale.
The versatile star made 50 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists, at a contribution rate of one goal or assist every two games.
And, in a blow to the Bundesliga titans, when addressing his future while on international duty earlier this summer, Diaz had said: ‘I’m very, very happy in Liverpool. From day one, they’ve made me feel really welcome.
‘The transfer market is opening, and we’re trying to arrange what’s best for us. I’m waiting to see what happens.
Liverpool do not want to sell Diaz this summer and Bayern are yet to enter talks over a deal
The BILD report claims Diaz has told Vincent Kompany’s side that he would like to join them
‘If Liverpool give us a good extension or I have to see out my two-year contract, I’ll be happy. It all depends on them.
‘I’m here to decide and see what’s best for us and the future.’
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of Musiala’s injury on Saturday, PSG keeper Donnarumma was left in tears with his head in his hands after realising the severity of the incident, while Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer accused the Italian of ‘taking a risk’ with the way he went into the challenge.
The PSG keeper later posted on Instagram to wish Musiala well, writing: ‘All my prayers and well wishes are with you @jamalmusiala10.’
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany described the moment as ’emotional’ after the match and admitted: ‘Of course it didn’t look good. I hope it’s not too bad, but it didn’t look good. I hope he’ll have the best possible recovery.’
A Bayern statement on Sunday then read: ‘Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury during the Club World Cup quarter-final between Bayern and Paris St Germain in the USA and had to be substituted at half-time.
‘Examinations by the German champions’ doctors have revealed that the attacking midfielder sustained a fracture of the fibula associated with a broken and dislocated ankle.
‘The 22-year-old flew from Orlando to Munich on Sunday morning and will undergo surgery soon.’
