Chelsea could make a shock move for Robert Lewandowski as an alternative to Erling Haaland, although it would be tricky to convince Bayern Munich into a sale.
According to The Sun, Chelsea are planning a shock approach for Robert Lewandowski in the coming days. The move is a reported result of unsuccessful negotiations to bring Erling Haaland to Stamford Bridge, as Thomas Tuchel eyes a high-profile striker to lead the line next season.
Lewandowski is no stranger to Premier League links. There have been plenty of close calls in the past, even before he signed up for Borussia Dortmund. The Polish star has been a mainstay and top performer for Bayern Munich since making his Bosman move to the Allianz Arena in 2014.
The 32-year-old has not seen a dip in form, which was evident after breaking Gerd Muller’s long-standing record for goals in a single Bundesliga season. The Bayern striker scored 41 goals in the league and helped his club retain the title. Lewandowski turns 33 next month and has shown no signs of slowing down.
And, Chelsea are now thought to be showing interest in him for a possible transfer this summer. The Champions League winners are looking at upgrading their frontline with an A-lister striker. Erling Haaland has been on top of their list, but Dortmund’s £150 million asking price is proving to be a deal-breaker.
The Blues held talks at varied levels with Dortmund, even reportedly offering cash plus a player thought to be Tammy Abraham. The German side reportedly wants an all-cash deal for their prized asset, who they could lose for less than half their £150 million asking price next summer due to a release clause in his contract.
Chelsea wants a resolution to their striker situation, especially after letting Olivier Giroud join AC Milan, while Abraham’s future remains uncertain. Lewandowski, they believe, could be the top-rated striker for next season, presentably a viable alternative to Haaland. The report suggests the Blues could launch a £50 million bid for the accomplished striker. Bringing Bayern to the table for negotiations could be the tough part.
The Bavarians were lining up a contract extension for Lewandowski, who has two more years to run on his current deal. However, if Chelsea are to make a concrete offer for the striker, Bayern might consider it, as they know his value is not going up anytime in the next years. However, the problem for the Bundesliga side could be finding a suitable replacement who could be guaranteeing the goals the Pole produces.
It’s not like Chelsea are the only club interested in Lewandowski. Manchester City were also considering him an alternative to Haaland or Harry Kane, while Real Madrid were also reportedly looking at him not long ago. Madrid, however, could also be an option for Haaland next summer, in all making it even trickier for Chelsea to pursue the Norwegian.
The next few weeks could be crucial in determining who Chelsea bring to Stamford bridge to lead the line. Haaland certainly would be a great option for the future despite his huge price tag. Lewandowski, meanwhile, could be a stop-gap, quality option till they find a long-term solution, whoever that might be.
