Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly keen to join Barcelona amid links with a move to Arsenal in the summer. It comes as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his forward options in the summer.
The Gunners are set to be left with academy graduate Folarin Balogun as the only natural centre-forward option, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already making the switch to Catalonia and duo Alexandre Lacezette and Eddie Nketiah set to become free agents. It shows just how much Arteta needs to add to his squad, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.
Discussing his transfer plans back in March, the Spaniard told the media: “I don’t know what is going to happen at the end of the season, we will discuss it and try to assess and make a plan that can work financially, that can be sustainable and obviously that has a huge impact on the team. Because every window has to be a way and form for us to take the club to the next level.”
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A high-profile striker would be one way for him to take this Arsenal side to the next level, with FourFourTwo reporting that Arteta is interested in a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international has become a world-class striker since his switch from Borussia Dortmund eight years ago.
The 33-year-old broke Gerd Muller’s 49-year record for the most goals in a Bundesliga season last campaign and with 31 goals in 28 this season, he shows little sign of slowing up. However, with his contract expiring in 2023 and clear frustration with a lack of movement on extending it, Lewandowski could see his future away from Bavaria.
It could allow the Gunners to lodge their interest in the striker, adding a killer instinct and experience to a young squad on the big stage. But, as expected, there are other sides interested in the Poland international.
Sport reports that the player and his representatives opened talks with Barcelona in January and has offered his services to the Blaugrana for the future. It means he could join Aubameyang at the Camp Nou.
It would represent a huge blow to Arteta and Edu in their plans to sign a quality striker in the summer as few better than Lewandowski, if any, will be available. It may mean they have to turn their attention to other targets further down their wish list, with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Darwin Nunez and Alexander Isak linked.
