Bayern have swiftly denied reports linking Robert Lewandowski to Chelsea, insisting the striker is happy at the Allianz Arena.
The Mirror had reported on Wednesday that the Blues were lining up a move for the Poland international as they look to replace Diego Costa, who could move to Atletico Madrid in a £50million deal despite their transfer embargo – in which case he wouldn’t be able to play until January 2018.
However, the newspaper have now quoted Bayern’s response, and they have issued a stern warning to Chelsea and the forward’s other rumoured suitors, Manchester United.
A statement read:
“Robert Lewandowski has a contract with FC Bayern, which he recently extended to 2021.
“Bayern are not thinking about any move for Lewandowski. There are no talks with other clubs, and there will not be. If other clubs negotiate with a player who still has a long-term contract, they risk punishment from FIFA.
“The player’s agent also assured us that he did not hold talks with any other club.”
It was thought Lewandowski was being viewed as an alternative to Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, as Chelsea are struggling to agree a fee with the Toffees. Everton are holding out for £100million for the Belgian.
The 28-year-old helped Bayern to the Bundesliga title last season, scoring 30 goals in 33 games. That tally wasn’t enough to win him the Golden Boot, though, with Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang winning that accolade.
Lewandowski has publicly voiced his annoyance at his teammates for failing to help him win the award, and it seems that dispute is at the heart of rumours he wanted to move on.
Munich will be hoping their statement is enough to put off any clubs looking to capitalise on the situation, at least for now.
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