Bayern Munich add Arsenal transfer target to list as Florian Wirtz alternative

Bayern Munich’s transfer window has taken another dramatic twist. After missing out on Bundesliga’s crown jewel Florian Wirtz, the Bavarian giants have now shortlisted Eberechi Eze as a creative reinforcement, per Gary Jacob and Tom Allnutt of The Times. The Crystal Palace maestro is also wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham, making this a truly Premier League-flavored transfer battle.

This development follows Bayern’s high-profile failure to land Wirtz, a generational attacking midfielder who led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic, undefeated Bundesliga title in 2023/24—dethroning Bayern themselves in the process. For years, it was assumed that Wirtz was destined to become the next great German superstar in red. Instead, Bayern hesitated, refused to meet the asking price, and allowed Liverpool to swoop in with a record-breaking fee to complete a stunning coup.

From Wirtz to Eze: a new creative vision?

With Wirtz now a Liverpool player, Bayern are scrambling to find an elite alternative. And Eberechi Eze, fresh off a stellar FA Cup-winning season with Crystal Palace, fits the bill. The 27-year-old is a late bloomer, but one of the most electrifying dribblers and creators in the Premier League. He scored 11 goals and added 4 assists last season in league play, and his off-the-ball intelligence and positional flexibility have attracted admiration across Europe.

Bayern, Arsenal, and Tottenham all view Eze as an elite-level No. 10 who can also thrive off the left. In fact, his ability to invert from wide areas is one of the traits that makes him so appealing in modern attacking systems. His £68 million release clause, however, may be a stumbling block for Bayern, who are already eyeing multiple big-money signings this summer.

That said, there’s a unique factor working in Bayern’s favor: Michael Olise. The French winger starred alongside Eze at Crystal Palace, and the two had one of the most productive and aesthetically pleasing partnerships in English football. Olise’s own move to Bayern last summer has reportedly left the door open for a reunion, and the idea of Eze and Olise running riot together again is mouthwatering.

Musiala and Eze: A double No. 10?

If Bayern do pull it off, the dream of fielding Jamal Musiala and Eberechi Eze together becomes very real. It won’t quite be the all-German Wirtz-Musiala duo many Bayern fans envisioned, but in terms of technical brilliance and offensive unpredictability, Eze and Musiala would be a nightmare for Bundesliga defenses. Both can play between the lines, beat defenders in isolation, and create in high-pressure moments.

Still, Arsenal remain a major threat. Mikel Arteta admires Eze’s fluidity and has made him a target, while Tottenham also see him as the missing link in their midfield. Bayern’s chances may rest not just on price, but on how serious they are about replacing their lost domestic dominance with Premier League creativity.

One thing is clear: after missing Wirtz, Bayern can’t afford to hesitate again.