Liverpool's 'unconvincing' 26-year-old wanted by Bayern Munich in Florian Wirtz transfer revenge

Bayern Munich could reportedly take revenge on Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz by poaching one of Arne Slot's current attackers in the summer window.

Liverpool and Bayern were engaged in a two-horse battle for Bayer Leverkusen's Wirtz after Manchester City withdrew their interest, and the Premier League champions are now edging closer to completing a deal.

The Reds are believed to have tabled a club-record £105.9m offer for the Germany international on Friday, and Bayern have been informed that he wishes to join Slot's side.

The reigning Bundesliga champions will therefore have to scope out alternative attackers for the 2025-26 season, which will be their first since the exit of long-serving legend Thomas Muller.

Bayern are also facing uncertainty over the futures of Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman, so the Bavarians could elect to pursue a deal for a left-winger as opposed to a number 10.

Bayern 'plotting' Cody Gakpo move as Slot 'unconvinced' by Dutchman

According to Football Insider, Liverpool's Cody Gakpo has now emerged as a firm target for the German giants, and the Dutchman would be open to joining Vincent Kompany's side too.

Furthermore, Reds boss Slot is supposedly happy to part ways with Gakpo for the right price this summer, as relayed by former scout Mick Brown to the publication.

"Bayern Munich are interested in Cody Gakpo. They're looking for somebody to play on the left of their attack and he's one of their options," Brown said. "They've missed out on Wirtz, he looks like he's going to Liverpool, and then that could open the door for Gakpo to go in the other direction.

"He's done well since he's been at Liverpool, but I think they'll sell if they offer is right. Slot isn't convinced about his attacking players and wants to improve in those positions."

A strong 2024-25 season for Gakpo numbers wise saw the Netherlands international contribute 18 goals and seven assists from 49 matches in all tournaments, making him the club's second-highest scorer behind Mohamed Salah's 34.

Why Liverpool cannot afford to lose Gakpo this summer

There is no denying that Gakpo enjoyed a better first half of the 2024-25 season than the second half, but he forced his way back into Slot's starting XI towards the end of the campaign following a knock.

The 26-year-old is always capable of conjuring up a moment of magic from the left flank, and his clinical nature was key last season due to Diogo Jota's struggles; the Portuguese is usually the one renowned for putting chances away.

If Gakpo was to leave, he could be one of several Reds attackers heading out; Al-Nassr are pushing to sign Luis Diaz, while Jota, Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa are being tipped to depart too.

It would be a shock to see all six players go, but Liverpool are already at risk of entering the new season with a weakened attack, even if they can add another striker to their ranks as well as Wirtz and the versatile Jeremie Frimpong.

The increased competition from Wirtz on the left flank should push Gakpo to elevate his game to even greater heights too, so it would make little sense for the Reds to let him leave.