£17m-a-year wages could scupper Manchester United exit as club turn to Arsenal ace

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Bayern Munich could turn to Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu in January if they are priced out of a move for Manchester United’s Premier League veteran Raphael Varane.

That is according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga champions hunting across the Channel in pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

And with Raphael Varane likely to be too expensive – the World Cup-winning France international earns a staggering £17 million-a-year at Manchester United – Bayern Munich could set their Sat-Nav to London in pursuit of a more affordable alternative.

Raphael Varane faces uncertain Manchester United future

This is where Takehiro Tomiyasu comes in. But while Arsenal’s popular Japan international is certainly more affordable, that does not mean he is more attainable. The £16 million signing from Bologna is a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s squad. 

“Tomiyasu was a candidate who was very hotly traded at Bayern in the summer. But nothing came of that, and now Bayern would like to get him immediately in January,” Plettenberg explains.

“(Arsenal) absolutely want to keep him.”

Tomiyasu has started only seven games in all competitions for Arsenal in 2023/24. But his ability to play consistently in a variety of roles (at centre-half and in both full-back positions) means The Gunners are unlikely to let the 25-year-old leave, particularly considering the long-term absence of Jurrien Timber. 

Too expensive for Bayern Munich

“Bayern are actually dealing for Varane. There are no negotiations, but Bayern have discussed the player,” Plettenberg adds. “Bayern say that the transfer is rather unrealistic because his salary is too high.

“According to our information, he earns around 20 million euros per year. Bayern are still keeping an eye on Varane, but there’s currently no agreement.”

Arsenal’s Tomiyasu stance could potentially be softened, however, should Radu Dragusin arrive from Genoa in the winter. Florin Manea, Dragusin’s agent, claims to be in discussions with the Gunners about his £25 million Romania international, having touched down in London for talks.

Varane, meanwhile, has not started a Premier League game since September amid rumours of another high-profile player falling out with Erik Ten Hag (The Telegraph).