Bayern Munich linked with Atalanta defender Gianluca Mancini (GdS)

Bayern Munich are reportedly showing strong interest in Atalanta's 22-year-old Italian center-back Gianluca Mancini.

Bayern Munich's defensive department could be in for an overhaul over the summer transfer window. Die Roten have struggled defensively this season, as they continue to leak goals on a consistent basis.

The defending champions have already secured the signing of Benjamin Pavard from VfB Stuttgart for next season, and they are likely to make at least one more addition in heart of defense to help shore things up at the back.

Bayern have been linked with numerous defenders this season. Atalanta's Gianluca Mancini is the latest center-back the Bavarians have reportedly shown interest in. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Die Roten are firmly interested in Mancini. The report suggests that AS Roma sit in the driver's seat for the Italian's signature, but both Bayern and a handful of Premier League clubs could make a move for the young Italian.

Mancini has been an integral part of an Atalanta side that has been fairly impressive in Serie A this season. The 22-year-old is not only a solid defender, he is also very good on the ball. He has a knack for getting involved among the goals thanks to his great aerial ability, which has led him to score six goals for Atalanta this season and assist one more.

His pace and composure allow him to recover well if beaten by his man. After struggling at both Perugia and Fiorentina, Mancini has completely settled at Atalanta and is developing into a fine defender.

His impressive performances were rewarded with a call-up to the Italian national team, but he is yet to make an appearance for his home nation. Mancini still has some areas that need improvement, but he has all the tools to become a top center-back in the near future if he continues to develop at an impressive rate.

Niko Kovac has already confirmed that Niklas Sule is the first choice center-back at the club right now. Both Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are enduring difficult seasons in Bavaria, and the future looks bleak for the veteran duo. Pavard's arrival in the summer will further reduce their time on the pitch. Die Roten were very close to selling Boateng last summer, so there is a significant chance they might listen to offers for him in the next transfer window as well.

Bayern have also been heavily linked with Lucas Hernandez in the past month. The German champions were reportedly close to signing him at the beginning of January by activating his release clause at Atletico Madrid. This transfer is now unlikely to happen in the next seven days, however. If Hernandez decides to extend his stay in Spain beyond the summer, then Bayern will have to consider other options. Mancini is a good back-up option for Hernandez and would no doubt be much cheaper than the World Cup winner.