Bayern Munich are targeting PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo over fears Robert Lewandowski will ask to quit the club, per AS, amid interest from Manchester City.
Lewandowski has two years remaining on his current deal at the Allianz Arena but still dreams of one day representing Real Madrid. The Poland star also believes now may be the time for a new challenge after eleven years in the Bundesliga, with several offers tabled.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have explored signing Lewandowski this summer. Real Madrid are also aware of Lewandowski’s openness to a change of club and could move, should operations to sign Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe fall short.
Manchester City, likewise, have explored Lewandowski’s situation this summer. ESPN noted in May that Pep Guardiola considered reuniting with his former player as a replacement for Sergio Aguero. But any side wishing to sign the 32-year-old faced paying €60m (£51m).
AS now claim Bayern Munich are determined to keep Lewandowski. But the Bavarian giants fear he will either hand in a transfer request this summer or next. And Real Madrid would be increasingly appealed by a 2022 deal, as he will only have a year left on his contract.
And thus Bayern Munich are targeting Gakpo, as Julian Nagelsmann believes the PSV winger can be turned into a striker. Die Roten have contacted the Dutch forward’s agent, too. But face a €30m (£25.5m) asking price and competition from Marseille, Lyon and Lille.
Bayern Munich hand Manchester City boost with Gakpo replacing Lewandowski
Bayern Munich will hand Manchester City a boost in their pursuit of Lewandowski by signing Gakpo from PSV this summer. Nagelsmann will have a replacement, and Guardiola will have a window to reunite with his old Die Roten striker.
The Citizens may have to move swiftly to sign the £352,000-per-week attacker, however, given the rival interest. Yet Real Madrid prioritising Mbappe and Haaland will see Carlo Ancelotti’s side hold off on targeting Lewandowski. Maybe even until next year.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen to rival Real Madrid for Haaland, per Sky Sports. While Manchester City also want Tottenham’s Harry Kane, and The Athletic claim they believe this summer is their final chance.
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