Bayern Munich Transfer News: Jupp Heynckes Dismisses Arturo Vidal Exit Rumours

Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has played down suggestions midfielder Arturo Vidal is set to leave the club shortly after it was announced Leon Goretzka will join the club as a free agent this summer.

Heynckes, who has a deal at the Bayern helm until the end of this season, has dismissed speculation the Goretzka's arrival could spell the end of Vidal's time at the Allianz Arena, per ESPN FC:

"He's a player with immense experience in international football, and he is always there when you need him.

"You can talk to him sometimes and remind him that he can play football very seriously. Between me and him there's never a problem. I think he's an extraordinary player.

"The player and the club will make the decision as to whether he stays."

Bayern ended months of rumours regarding Goretzka's future when they announced his capture earlier this month, sealing the signatures of one of Germany's greatest emerging midfield talents.

It wasn't long after the Schalke playmaker's summer fate was confirmed that German newspaper Bild wrote a Bavarian departure was on the cards for Vidal, who would be sure to court interest (h/t DW Sports):

Vidal now has a little less than 18 months remaining on his Bayern contract, due to expire in the summer of 2019, meaning talk will inevitably soon toward a contract extension or a move away from the Bundesliga champions.

The Chile international has made 114 appearances for Die Roten since joining from Juventus in the summer of 2015, scoring the same amount of goals he did for former club Bayer Leverkusen (21) in 30 games fewer.

The midfield destroyer once held his place at Juve and was regarded as one of the most dominant engine-room stars in Europe, and some might question whether Goretzka is yet at the level to challenge him.

As for Vidal's own opinion on the matter, he recently indicated he's happy in Munich for now but hinted that situation could change "in June":

It's still unknown as to who will replace Heynckes, who turns 73 in May, in the Bayern hot seat at the end of this season, but that decision is likely to have a big impact on deciding the fate of Vidal as Goretzka comes into the team.

For no, at least, the South American is challenging for major titles at the Allianz and recently indicated he's content under Heynckes, via the official Bundesliga Twitter account:

Corentin Tolisso has been Vidal's most frequent midfield partner this season, while Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez have also lined up in the middle when fit, along with Sebastian Rudy.

Goretzka's addition to that mix will cause an increase in competition, but Heynckes appears eager to ensure Vidal remains a part of their setup beyond this campaign.