Calling True or False on 5 Recent Bayern Munich Transfer Rumours

Bayern Munich are into the semi-finals of the Champions League and are on the cusp of their third successive Bundesliga title, yet a lot of football is still to play between now and the end of the season. 

Despite this, Pep Guardiola and his team of perfectionist football coaches will be plotting away for next season, and more importantly, who and what they can pick up and drop in the coming summer transfer window. 

As one of the biggest clubs in the world, Bayern are constantly linked with players coming in and out of Munich.

Fortunately, today, we've gone through the top five to troll the internet in recent weeks and deciphered whether such rumours are true or false. 

Branislav Ivanovic

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Although Bayern will undoubtedly begin the hunt for a long-term, formidable right-back this summer, the idea that Chelsea juggernaut Branislav Ivanovic may fill that hole is rather farcical. 

Although the Serbian international has been an excellent servant for the Premier League side, he simply wouldn't fit into a team that prioritises attacking flair and passing ability above all else. 

Linked with the move through The Daily Express on April 23, this transfer is perhaps one of the oddest ones to come out of the rumour mill this season. 

FALSE

Robert Lewandowski

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Another odd rumour to pop up from the media of late has been the suggestion Polish striker Robert Lewandowski may be on his way out of Bayern and heading across the channel toward Manchester. 

As The Daily Telegraph reported on April 22, "reports" from Spain suggested Manchester United had enquired about the 26-year-old during a somewhat wobbly first season in Munich, before his agent denied any intention of leaving Germany. 

With a certain amount of confidence, we reckon Lewandowski will be playing in the red of Bavaria next season. 

FALSE

Antoine Griezmann

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Ahead of this week's Champions League action, German newspaper Bild (h/t Sport) were suggesting on April 16 that Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann may well be on his way to Munich. 

Miguel Perez passes on the report Bayern were looking for ways to upgrade their squad next season and mentions that they would be fools to look past the current French star. 

Despite the odd nature of the report, Griezmann may indeed be a potential target for the Bavarian giants. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have shown how important wide players are to Guardiola's squad, and through their injuries, they've also illustrated just how shallow Bayern's reserve is for such talent. 

Although the Atletico star would cost a pretty penny, he'd be a perfect long-term replacement for either Ribery or indeed Robben. 

TRUE

Sergio Ramos

Paul White/Associated Press

While we're still in Madrid, it's also worth picking up another rumour from Spain, this time suggesting the German champions are on the hunt for Sergio Ramos' signature this summer. 

Again, Barcelona-based newspaper Sport were first to the story on April 6, suggesting Ramos' brother and agent had received a call from the Munich side while he thumbed through a new contract from the capital side. 

A potential stumbling block, according to the Spanish paper, is the defender wants a contract equating to Gareth Bale's current salary, something club president Florentino Perez may be dead against. 

Although Ramos would fit in perfectly under Guardiola at Bayern, the second half of this report suggests it's very unlikely. The German champions can match the wages of any club in the world but usually don't through principle. 

The Spanish defender may be on their wish list, but we reckon his wage demands may price them out of any move. 

FALSE

Gonzalo Castro

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

According to reports in Bild, reported by ESPN on April 16, Bayern's latest Bundesliga talent won't be coming from the Westfalenstadion, but instead from Leverkusen, where Gonzalo Castro currently plays his game at Bayer. 

The 27-year-old is a key performer for the Factory Squad and has been a vital member of Roger Schmidt's side as they've pushed for a comfortable Champions League spot. 

"The interest honours me," stated the holding midfielder when asked about the rumours. "FC Bayern Munich belong to the biggest clubs in the world."

If Guardiola wants him, then he's apparently available on a €12 million release clause, which is a very doable transfer compared to most others. 

TRUE