Chelsea’s search for a new striker has seen them linked with a move for Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
It’s no secret that the Blues’ first-choice target is Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Erling Haaland, although it could cost £150million to get a deal done in the current transfer window.
As a result, Chelsea are seemingly keeping their options open, so much so that they are now, according to reports, weighing up a big-money move for Lewandowski.
Furthermore, it is being claimed that the club is considering a £50m deal for the Bayern striker, who is regarded as one of the most prolific centre-forwards of his generation.
With Chelsea struggling for goals last season, it’s no surprise that links to Lewandowski have emerged.
However, that doesn’t mean they should pursue a deal for the 32-year-old this summer – and it has nothing to do with the Poland international’s age.
But rather it could harm their own chances of signing Haaland this summer or next.
New Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn has already revealed the club’s intentions with regard to the Norway international and it should put Chelsea on alert.
“A package that costs – as we heard – over €100million is unimaginable for FC Bayern at the moment,” he said when speaking to Sport Bild earlier in the year. “Robert [Lewandowski] still has a two-year contract here. His performances cannot be questioned. He’s scored 39 goals [in the Bundesliga] so far!
“Just for that, we don’t have to think about Haaland today. Robert can keep this level for a few more years.”
At the end of next season is when the 20-year-old’s release clause of €75m (£64m) will kick in and the current Bundesliga champions would be able to afford that financial package, especially if they sell Lewandowski for £50m.
In addition, letting the Pole leave means they would need to sign a replacement and it’s clear they have Haaland in mind.
Swapping the Signal Iduna Park for the Allianz Arena is a route that the likes of Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels have all taken down the years and whose to say Haaland wouldn’t be next?
The summer window is officially open and now the Blues can look to build on European glory and bolster the squad to push for Premier League supremacy.
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Chelsea can prevent this from happening.
After all, it has been reported that Blues owner Roman Abramovich has agreed to pay Haaland what he wants to seal a move to Stamford Bridge.
So with that plan in place, coupled with Bayern being ready to pounce, it makes a decision to not pursue a £50m deal for Lewandowski even easier.
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