Why might he be able to leave Bayern?
Sule has been earmarked for a while but conversations among the hierarchy have increased in recent weeks about the possibility of acquiring him.
The 25-year-old has just over one year left on his contract at Bayern but there have been no moves to discuss a renewal as yet. The German champions have been too consumed by the strife between coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic to open talks over the extension of player contracts.
Flick announced on Saturday that he wants to leave Bayern at the end of the season.
Why might Bayern let him go?
Bayern will lose defensive stalwarts David Alaba and Jerome Boateng in the summer but not everyone at the club is convinced that Sule is ready to step into the breach.
He has come under media criticism over his fitness levels at times during the campaign and it is believed he was disappointed at the lack of support by the club in that respect.
Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also publicly criticised him for his display in the 2-1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt in February.
Bayern have already secured the signing of Dayot Upamenaco from RB Leipzig for next season which has put Sule’s place in the first team further in doubt. The player is relaxed about the situation, however, safe in the knowledge that there will be plenty of takers should Bayern decide to put him up for sale.
In addition, the possible arrival of Julian Nagelsmann — Bayern’s preferred choice to succeed Flick — could quickly change matters. Sule and Nagelsmann enjoyed one very productive season together at Hoffenheim in 2016-17, when the defender broke into the Germany squad.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Yes. For more on who else Chelsea might target and plenty of insight from around the world of football, read David Ornstein’s weekly column.
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(Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
