Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dressen has acknowledged that the club will do everything possible to extend the contract of Jamal Musiala.
Ever since he was handed an opportunity in the first team at the Allianz Arena, Musiala has only progressed into one of the club's most prized assets.
The 20-year-old already has 35 goals and 26 assists from his 120 appearances in all competitions, playing an important role in the last three Bundesliga campaigns.
However, possessing a contract until 2026, speculation has naturally emerged about the future plans of the versatile playmaker with a wide array of clubs monitoring the situation.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that each of Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid were regarded as the frontrunners should Musiala ever decide to depart the German giants.
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In the case of Real, they are allegedly hopeful that the presence of Jude Bellingham - a friend and similar age of Musiala - can help convince him to make the switch to the Bernabeu in the future.
Nevertheless, Dressen has admitted that Bayern have plans to try to keep the Germany international in their ranks for as long as they possibly can.
Speaking to BR24, Dressen said: "I'd really love to keep him for life. Jamal is already a top football player today".
"We'd would do well to keep him with us for as long as possible, that's our plan."
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A recent report indicated that there had not been any extensive discussions regarding a renewal at the present time, with the player himself not interest in a transfer for the foreseeable future.
That said, Bayern will also want to find the right balance with generating the biggest transfer fee possible if it emerges that Musiala would eventually like to take on a new challenge.
Real will have an expanded La Liga wage cap to work with next summer, some of that added leeway likely to go on trying to sign Kylian Mbappe as they bid to sign a new world-class frontman.
In the case of City, they are already blessed for options in the final third, but Liverpool may require a high-profile alternative for Mohamad Salah if he expresses a desire to move to the Saudi Pro League in 2024.
Darren Plant
