According to reports from The Metro this morning, Arsenal are lining up Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski as a potential alternative to Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Rafa Benitez’ intentions to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as a centre-forward at the Bernabeu next season has seen the France international strongly linked with a Gunners switch over the last few months, with reports earlier this week claiming the north London outfit have seen a €45million bid rejected.
It’s believed Real Madrid would prefer to hold onto the 6 foot 2 front-man for another season or, at the very least, delay his departure until the end of the transfer window, when his first team role becomes more clear.
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But according to The Metro, Arsenal have already identified a contingency plan should they fail to sign Benzema in Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
He’s netted 25 times since arriving at the Allainz Arena on a free transfer last summer – leading many to speculate the German giants would be willing to sell for a tidy profit – and was linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this week.
But The Metro, citing comments from Spanish journalist Kike Marin, claim the Poland international is also Arsenal’s ‘secret back-up option’ to Benzema.
Lewandowski’s agent Cezary Kucharski believes it would require in excessof £35million to convince the Bavarians to sell. He told Polish TV: “I think it would have to be a very high offer, definitely higher than £35m for Bayern to consider selling.
“Robert is one of the most valued strikers on the market who guarantees goals, guarantees assists, excitement. He has shown that over many years during his career.
“With a player of Robert’s class, the truth is that not a lot of work is required because really there are only two directions in which he could go in the future, England or Spain, and only with Bayern Munich’s acceptance,” he added.