Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool Eye £50m Bayern Winger Lennart Karl

Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool contact Bayern over £50m winger Lennart Karl

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Bayern Munich to enquire about Lennart Karl. The 18-year-old left-footed right-winger is valued at around £50m and his future has become uncertain following criticism from Uli Hoeneß, according to German football expert Christian Falk.

Player: Lennart Karl, 18, left-footed right-winger, also cover in creative midfield
Clubs interested: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool
Current club: Bayern Munich
Asking price: Around £50m
Contract until: 2029
Stage: Calls made to learn about availability; no formal bid reported

Deal details

According to Christian Falk's FC Bayern Insider website, Karl's future has become a subject of speculation following Uli Hoeneß's recent criticism of the youngster. Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have started keeping a close eye on his situation and have already made calls to learn about his availability.

Bayern Munich are in a strong position to demand a big fee because Karl's existing deal runs until 2029. The Bundesliga giants want around £50m if they decide to part ways with him.

Why the three Premier League clubs want him

Manchester United currently have Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo as specialist options on the right flank. However, Diallo has just returned to full fitness after recovering from an injury. Amid Benjamin Sesko's injury absence, Michael Carrick has been using Mbeumo in the striker position, with Joshua Zirkzee finding himself on the periphery. That leaves United light in wide areas.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman as right-wing options. But Saka is set to remain sidelined for a few weeks due to his recent injury, while Madueke has displayed inconsistent performances since joining from Chelsea. Dowman is still very young and needs time to develop.

Liverpool do not have a natural left-footed right-winger following Mohamed Salah's departure. Andoni Iraola has been using Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha in that position, although they like to be deployed on the opposite side.

What Lennart Karl would bring

Karl is a technically gifted left-footed right-winger by trait but can provide cover in the creative midfield position if needed. He is energetic, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas and has an eye for long-range passing. He can create opportunities for fellow attackers, is efficient in finishing off his chances and works hard without possession.

Despite playing as a rotational option under Vincent Kompany last term, he made 16 goal contributions across all competitions. Having shown glimpses of his qualities at the Allianz Arena, Karl has secured his place in the Germany national team. He is considered one of the best young forwards in the world.

Injury and availability

Amad Diallo (Man Utd): Just returned to full fitness after recovering from an injury
Benjamin Sesko (Man Utd): Currently absent through injury
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Set to remain sidelined for a few weeks due to recent injury

Why Karl fits all three – but only one needs him most

Arsenal have built their attack around Bukayo Saka, but his latest injury exposes a lack of reliable cover. Noni Madueke has been inconsistent since arriving from Chelsea, and Max Dowman is still developing. A left-footed right-winger like Karl would offer a natural alternative who can also drift inside and create – exactly the profile Mikel Arteta favours in wide areas.

Manchester United have a more urgent problem. With Bryan Mbeumo used as a striker due to Benjamin Sesko's injury, and Amad Diallo only just back from fitness issues, Michael Carrick lacks specialist right-wing options. Karl would provide balance and allow Mbeumo to return to his preferred role once Sesko is available.

Liverpool are the most obvious fit. Without a natural left-footed right-winger following Mohamed Salah's departure, Andoni Iraola has been forced to use Victor Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha out of position. Karl would slot straight into the right flank and provide the creative thrust Liverpool have lacked.

However, Bayern's £50m valuation and Karl's contract until 2029 mean any deal will be expensive. The German champions are under no pressure to sell, and Hoeneß's criticism may be a motivational tool rather than a signal of intent to cash in. The three Premier League clubs have made their interest known, but formal bids are yet to follow.

Talking points

Is £50m too much for an 18-year-old with only 16 goal contributions last season? Bayern clearly believe in his potential, but Premier League clubs must weigh risk against reward.
Liverpool need Karl most – they have no natural left-footed right-winger after Salah's exit. Missing out could leave Iraola's attack unbalanced for the rest of the season.
Arsenal's interest hinges on Saka's fitness. If Saka returns soon, would Karl accept a rotational role? If not, he may prefer Liverpool or United where a starting spot is clearer.
Bayern's stance is strengthened by Karl's contract until 2029 and his Germany call-up. Hoeneß's criticism may be a wake-up call, not a transfer green light.

What happens next

The three clubs have made initial contact, but no formal bids have been reported. Bayern's £50m valuation and Karl's long contract mean any negotiation will be complex. The next international break could provide a window for talks, but United, Arsenal and Liverpool will monitor his situation closely. A decision is unlikely before the January transfer window, when Bayern's stance will become clearer.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lennart Karl and why are Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool interested?

Lennart Karl is an 18-year-old left-footed right-winger who plays for Bayern Munich. Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have contacted Bayern to learn about his availability after his future became uncertain following criticism from Uli Hoeneß.

How much would Lennart Karl cost?

Bayern Munich want around £50m if they decide to sell him, according to Christian Falk.

Which club needs Lennart Karl the most?

Liverpool are the most obvious fit because they lack a natural left-footed right-winger following Mohamed Salah's departure. Arsenal and Manchester United also have needs due to injuries and inconsistent form.