Robert Lewandowski is expected to leave Bayern Munich in the summer. His deal expires in 2023, but he's confirmed he has no plans to sign a new deal with the German giants. Chelsea are among the list of clubs said to be interested in his signature.
Now that the club's takeover has finally been completed, the Blues are permitted to make signings again. Although Chelsea needs to fill the void of the departing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in defence, a top striker is also thought to be among the list of priorities.
If any at all, there aren't many better forwards around than Lewandowski. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League and west London.
READ MORE: Chelsea news: Reece James alternative chosen as Thomas Tuchel told he has next Fikayo Tomori
Chelsea urged to sign Lewandowski
Tony Cascarino has urged Chelsea to sign Robert Lewandowski amid a development regarding Romelu Lukaku's future at Stamford Bridge.
Read more here.
Lukaku development
According to reports in Italian outlet Corriere.it, as cited by SempreInter, Inter are set to meet with Sebastien Ledure, a lawyer representing Lukaku, regarding a possible move this week. The report adds that the Nerazzurri will discuss possible wage terms for a loan move from the Blues.
That information has since been backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who said on Twitter: "Inter board will meet Romelu Lukaku's lawyer in the coming hours. Belgian striker dreams of returning to Inter, but nothing has been discussed yet with Chelsea on formula, salary and more.
"It's [a] really complicated deal as Chelsea paid €115million (£97.5million) for Rom one year ago."
If Lukaku does leave the club, there will be an evident need to replace him up front.
Kahn hits back
Bayern director Oliver Kahn responded to Lewandowski's admission with a fiery response.
"I can't tell you why Robert chose this way to communicate his situation. Public statements like that don't get you anywhere," he told German outlet Sport1. "Robert should know what he has at Bayern. Appreciation is not a one-way street."
Lewandowski's honest admission
The striker has admitted he will leave Bayern when his contract expires: "My era at Bayern is over. I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore," he told local media in Germany.
"Bayern's a serious club, and I believe they won't keep me, I don't want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me. I hope Bayern won't stop me just because I've a contract until June 2023… maybe I can give you information after international matches."
Read more via this link.
Barcelona competition
Lewandowski is expected to sign for Barcelona should he leave Bayern this window, with the La Liga giants favourite for his signature. However, Chelsea have been linked with Lewandowski in recent weeks, with hopes of securing the forward should the chance arise.
As reported by The Guardian, Chelsea could join the race to sign Lewandowski despite the Bayern Munich forward favouring a move to Barcelona.
It is claimed Thomas Tuchel is a huge admirer of Lewandowski, who has scored 343 goals since joining Bayern in 2014, and would have loved to bring him to Chelsea last summer.
