According to latest reports, German giants Bayern Munich have made Chelsea’s right-back Branislav Ivanovic as their primary defensive target in the upcoming summer window.
Bayern currently have Philip Lahm and Rafinha as the options in right-back position. With Lahm playing as a defensive midfielder controlling the build up play. They merely have Rafinha at that position, so the German powerhouse are considering possible replacements for Rafinha for the coming seasons.
Rafinha have often looked as the weakest link in Bayern line-up despite the full back making significant progress this season as a wing back in Pep Guardiola’s flexible formation that changes to 3-4-3 from 4-2-3-1 during the course of the game.
However, the Brazilian still remains one of the weaker links in the team that has a galaxy of world-class players. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s right-back Ivanovic have only one year left in his contract. Chelsea management is reluctant to give the Serbian 4 year contract despite his extra-ordinary performances throughout the season.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly a big fan of the Serbian and his box-to-box ability will become an asset for Bayern if they sign him. He will be a huge addition to Bayern’s defence as he can defend set pieces well unlike Rafinha to whom height is a disadvantage which opposing teams often target.
Ivanovic joined Chelsea back in January 2008 from Lokomotiv Moscow.