Lucas Hernandez will not join Bayern Munich, insist Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have released a statement denying Bayern Munich will trigger Lucas Hernandez’s release clause next month.

Spanish newspaper Marca claimed on Wednesday that Bayern were poised to match Hernandez’s £72m release clause after earmarking the 2018 World Cup winner as a top transfer target.

Bayern have endured a miserable campaign and are now set to begin an overhaul of their squad, starting with their ageing defence.

Hernandez has enjoyed a phenomenal 2018 after following up Atletico’s Europa League success with France’s World Cup win in the summer.

However, Atletico insist reports Hernandez is about to leave the club are not true following conversations with the defender and German counterparts Bayern.

“Following the story published by Marca newspaper on an alleged deal between Bayern Munich and our player Lucas Hernandez, according to which the German club is to trigger the Frenchman’s buyout clause in the January window, Atletico Madrid wishes to state that, in conversation with our club, Lucas Hernandez has denied any deal with Bayern and also any intention to exit our club,” a statement read on Atletico’s official website.

“Additionally, the excellent relationship between Atletico and the German club has led to Bayern Munich to deny said operation during a conversation between officials of both clubs.”

Hernandez, who can play left-back and centre-back, has made 10 league appearances for Atletico this season and has garnered a respectable rating of 7.01 in that time.

Furthermore, only three team-mates average more tackles per league game than Hernandez this season (2.5).