Chelsea and Manchester United have been dealt with a massive blow as Bayern Munich hitman Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid at the end of the summer. It is understood that Lewandowski is keen on a new challenge and believes that the European champions will give him that opportunity.
According to the latest reports, Mundo Deportivo, the Polish striker will force his way out of the Allianz Arena in order to join Real Madrid. The 29-year-old master marksman arrived from Borussia Dortmund with a massive reputation back in 2014 on a free transfer. And ever since his move to the most successful club in the country, he has won five Bundesliga titles with the German giants.
Lewandowski has established himself as one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Europe and Real Madrid are now favorites to secure his services after reportedly offering him a massive wage hike on a two-year deal. This leaves English duo of Manchester United and Chelsea frustrated as they were desperate to land the Polish captain.
Chelsea has had a disastrous title defense as the Blues may struggle to even reach the top 4 to play Champions League football for next season. Manager Antonio Conte has not been impressed by record signing Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid as the Spaniard has not been able to live up to expectations in England. Even Frenchman Olivier Giroud cannot be relied on as the main striker to win the league for the London side next season. Therefore, there were links to bringing Lewandowski to Stamford Bridge but they may disappear quite soon.
Manchester United have been unable to authorize themselves in any tournament this season, and despite being 2nd on the Premier League table at the moment, the Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho knows he needs a few more signings to win the Premiership. Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has only recently been finding his feet at Old Trafford but the Portuguese manager is unsure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whether he can perform at the top level for very long. The Red side of Manchester has been crying out for a natural goal scorer and identified Lewandowski as the perfect fit for the club, but it seems he is now heading to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid too, has a had a rather underwhelming season in their defense for the La Liga crown, and their only hope of silverware this season remains the Champions League as they prepare to defend it this time again. But the fans and board have been extremely annoyed with French striker Karim Benzema, who just doesn’t seem to finish the chances he receives. Therefore Madrid president is hoping to lure Lewandowski to replace the misfiring Benzema at the Spanish capital.
Lewandowski is a huge signing and would become a hit wherever he goes in the summer, but I think Real Madrid have the advantage because of their financial ability as well as the glory from the past. However, Bayern will be reluctant to let go of their superstar attacker, as they are probably going to lose a few other veterans as well at the end of the season.