Daily Schmankerl: The futures of Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, FC Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo linked?; Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to…Bayern!?; Manchester United, Newcastle eyeing Juventus star Adrien Rabiot; Arsenal scopes Xavi Simons; and MORE!

Are the futures of Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and FC Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo linked?

It is possible as Barca might need Araújo to move on if it wants to bring in Kimmich. However, Araújo’s next home might not necessarily be at Bayern Munich as has been rumored. Instead, Manchester United would like to bring in the Uruguayan defender, which would then pave the way for Kimmich to move to Catalonia.

If Araújo stays put, though, Kimmich could — allegedly — be headed to Arsenal FC:

Now – however – a story from Spanish news outlet SPORT states that Bayern Munich are open to letting the German join Barcelona, as the Catalans have a player they want to sign in Ronald Araujo.

It is said that Bayern Munich would be happy to sell Kimmich to the Spanish giants if the Uruguay international moves the other way.

Therefore, Arsenal are not in a great position to sign the 29-year-old this summer, although the Gunners could be given a lifeline by Manchester United.

As aforesaid, Manchester United are also keen on the South American – with that same story from SPORT stating that the Red Devils have told the defender they are ready to bid for him. So, if Manchester United end up signing Araujo ahead of Bayern Munich, it would see Barcelona lose their bargaining chip in the race to sign Kimmich, providing a lifeline for Arsenal.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the man from Rottweil – who Declan Rice called a “top, top player” – could be leaving Bayern Munich this summer.

Could Bayern Munich be in the running Liverpool FC defender Virgil van Dijk? It is really doubtful, but let’s humor this one:

There was a rumor that Borussia Dortmund was also interested in the Dutch center-back but Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk flexxxxxed on that one (blast from the past, eh?):

Yeah, so there is a little bit to talk about with Bayern Munich this week.

I don’t even know we would waste any time with an intro when there is a three-ring circus going on with Bayern Munich’s coaching search, so let’s get right down to business. Here is what we have on tap on for the latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:

• Ralf Rangnick has formally rejected a move to Bayern Munich in favor of keeping his life simple. You can’t fault him for that, but now what?
• After the rejections from Rangnick, Xabi Alonso, and Julian Nagelsmann have all said “No” to Bayern Munich, is Hansi Flick the “break glass in case of emergency option.”
• Sebastian Hoeneß has already stiff-armed speculation that he would be a fit, but could it happen?
• Jonathan Tah to Bayern…eh, I don’t know about this one.
• What to watch for in the next round of Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been linked to Bayern Munich, but the Frenchman is also on the radar of both Manchester United and Newcastle United:

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract this summer, could be targeted by Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has been hotly linked to Manchester City, but — as of now — the Bavarians have no desire to let him go (maybe ever).

“He is supposed to become the face of FC Bayern in the future. Jamal is a player who brings extremely great joy. He embodies FC Bayern extremely well. It is our intention to make him the new face of FC Bayern,” Eberl said.

After the enthralling Champions League battle vs. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich must now rebound to face a very good VfB Stuttgart side in the Bundesliga.

The Bavarians will want to remain hot with their play and — ironically — it will be one of their own players, Alexander Nübel, trying to stand in the way of Bayern Munich’s efforts to maintain momentum.

Will Nübel pull a Josip Stanišić? Hopefully not. Here is what we have on tap for episode of the Bavarians Podcast Works — Preview Show:

• Where Bayern Munich stands after the draw with Real Madrid.
• A look at the recent league form of both clubs.
• Updates on injured Bayern Munich players.
• A guess at Thomas Tuchel’s potential starting XI.
• A prediction on the match.

Sergino Dest was having a solid season for PSV Eindhoven while on loan from FC Barcelona, but tore his ACL.

That injury could actually help the Dutch club get a better deal on the American defender. Surely, PSV would have preferred a healthy Dest, but the fee probably has to change given the injury:

Arsenal FC has its eyes on Xavi Simons, who has had a strong season while on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain:

Another forward of interest to Arsenal is Netherlands international Xavi Simons, who is out on loan at RB Leipzig from PSG.

Per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea FC is also keeping a close eye on Simons, too:

Chelsea are also monitoring Simons, though a move for the 21-year-old may not be realistic at this time.

Meanwhile, El Chiringuito says that FC Barcelona would like to bring the Dutchman back to Catalonia, where he spent his youth academy days:

Barcelona, where Simons spent nine years as an academy player, would too like to sign the Dutchman, though ideally on loan with an option to buy.

Bayern Munich battled to a 2-2 draw that will leave some fans disappointed and others feeling hopeful.

Let’s not waste any time with the pleasantries, though, there is a lot to talk about on the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show. Here is what we have on tap.

• Initial thoughts on the outcome and why this was one of Bayern Munich’s best starts to a match for the season.
• The crowd was electric and lived up to what was needed from them.
• A look at Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI — once again, Tuchel was unpredictable and once again it worked out really well.
• A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
• This will always be known as the “Kim Min-jae Game.”
• No, Bayern Munich fans, it is NOT all over and you should feel good about where things stand heading into the return leg in Spain.

Bayern Munich Harry Kane and Leroy Sané were named to WhoScored.com’s Champions League Team of the Week:

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is drawing major interest from Al Nassr:

Al Nassr are still interested in signing Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, with contact expected to be made soon.

Bayern Munich are about to face Real Madrid in their first Champions League semi-final since 2020. However, that’s not what everyone is talking about. Uli Hoeneß made some inflammatory comments about Thomas Tuchel in the German media and the coach decided to respond in kind. This sort of row is nothing new at the club, but the timing does threaten to derail the club’s most promising CL campaign in years. Is the toxicity at FC Hollywood going too far?

In this episode, INNN and Samrin discuss the following:

• Why did Uli Hoeneß say what he did?
• How this stunt will be seen by coaches and clubs across Europe.
• Uli being Uli — is it time for him to change?
• Why Bayern Munich seem to be having such a hard time finding a new coach.
• Misgivings about hiring Ralf Rangnick.
• How the controversy and the coaching situation could affect the Real Madrid game.
• How will Thomas Tuchel choose to tackle Madrid? What are his options?