Arsenal’s Sanchez ‘would fit in’ at Bayern Munich – Lehmann

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says Alexis Sanchez would be a good fit for Bayern Munich, amid speculation that the German champions are preparing a bid for the forward.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that Bayern are readying a £55 million offer to sign Sanchez, 28, this summer.

The Chile international has one year left on his current Arsenal contract and has so far yet to agree an extension.

“He would fit in at Bayern, although he’s not the typical wide player they are seeking,” Lehmann, who had two spells at Arsenal, told Sky Deutschland’s “Sky90” show.

“He likes to cut inside, I’ve seen players that make better decisions on the pitch, but perhaps he can learn that. He’s a street footballer, you notice that when he’s on the pitch. Playing him in a system is not so easy but it would be nice to see him in the Bundesliga.”

Meanwhile, Germany national team manager Oliver Bierhoff says Bayern’s interest in Sanchez would be a “statement of intent” from the Bundesliga champions.

“Bayern have competent people in charge and will be seeking ways to improve their squad in the transfer market,” he said. “It would be a statement of intent, bearing in mind the name and the size of the transfer fee. It would be a good sign from Bayern with what’s available on the market.”

And Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus feels Sanchez would be more than a useful addition to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

“He’s a player that could follow in the footsteps of [Franck] Ribery and [Arjen] Robben, but he wouldn’t have to hide behind any of them,” he said. “He is dangerous in front of goal and can play in a wide range of offensive positions.

“Bayern have only one genuine No. 9 with [Robert] Lewandowski at the moment. Adding the option of Sanchez would improve their attacking quality.”

Elsewhere, ex-Bayern defender Willy Sagnol has told kicker that his former team “is too old” to win the Champions League.

Bayern lost in extra time against holders Real Madrid in the quarterfinals last month. Ancelotti’s side included veteran wingers Arjen Robben, 33, and Franck Ribery, 34, alongside captain Philipp Lahm, 33, and Xabi Alonso, 35, who are both retiring at the end of the season.

“Today’s football demands more intensity, players must run and sprint more. Bayern couldn’t maintain this high tempo, that was their problem,” he said. “Munich’s team is too old. You can’t win the Champions League when you have four players aged 33 and over.”

Bayern have the oldest side in the Bundesliga and fielded their oldest ever team in Champions League history — with an average age of 30.3 — when exiting to a Spanish side for the fourth year in succession.

“Bayern are faced with a huge problem today,” Sagnol said. “What is the club’s identity and culture? [Pep] Guardiola repeatedly gave young players an opportunity during his three years. Ancelotti only relies on experienced professionals. The continuity is missing.”

Former Bayern defender Jurgen Kohler added: “Too many players at [the club] have reached a certain age.”