In-demand German international Max Meyer is set to have his pick of Premier League clubs, if he decides to come to England this summer.
The 22-year-old Schalkle midfielder is out-of-contract in the summer, and he has been banished to the club’s reserves after falling out with the management team.
Meyer has claimed to have been bullied by Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel, saying: “I simply did not want to stay with Schalke and work under Heidel. It’s all about this. Lately, it just feels like bullying to me.”
Schalke reacted by suspending the player and excluding him from first-team duties, and banishing any lingering hopes that he might sign a new deal.
“We are upset more by his accusations of bullying, which we strongly deny, than his untrue allegations. Schalke 04 have always behaved correctly to Max Meyer,” responded Heidel.
Now I understand that Meyer’s representatives are expecting firm offers from possibly the entire top-six English clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal leading the charge.
Liverpool have long been big admirers of Meyer – who is a ball playing midfielder, who can also play wide if required, but is more at home as a number 10.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to push through a deal, but he knows they face major competition with Arsenal’s head of recruitment Sven Mislintat a major fan of Meyer and is lining up a ‘generous’ deal to try and secure his signature.
Champions Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all considering contract offers for Meyer, who is also had offer across the continent.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are keen for him to stay, whilst Atletico Marid and Monaco are also very much battling for his signature.
Bookmakers firmly think that Meyer is heading to England, with Liverpool and Arsenal heading the market.
Unibet’s Alistair Gill said: “With Max Myer being banished from training at Schalke there looks to be little doubt that he will be on the move this summer.
“England looks the most likely destination with Liverpool and Arsenal heading the favourites list for his signature at 6/4 and 2/1 respectively.
“Four German clubs also make the list, Bayern Munich, Bayern Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig all priced at 11/1. Interestingly our traders haven’t even priced up a stay at Schalke, such is the unlikelihood”