Chelsea are preparing to enter into the race for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, but the Blues must first sort out the future of club record signing Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian is believed to be intent on returning to former club Inter Milan but, while talks have begun, the two clubs are very far apart in terms of valuations and a loan deal may prove to be the only option this summer.
Lukaku returned to London for a fee just shy of £100 million 12 months ago, but has struggled since returning to the Premier League and has spoken publicly of his discontent.
As per The Daily Star, the Blues will move for Lewandowski once Lukaku’s immediate future has been resolved as Thomas Tuchel looks to revamp his underperforming frontline.
The report claims that the Bayern Munich striker is a target for both Chelsea and Manchester United.
Lewandowski is currently on international duty with Poland
The 33-year-old has admitted in recent weeks that his time at the Bundesliga champions has come to an end and, while Barcelona were believed to be the most likely destination for the player, the two English clubs are plotting to hijack the deal.
It is claimed that the Catalan side may struggle to meet Bayern’s £40 million asking price for the Poland international, but his poor relationship with manager Julian Nagelsmann means that staying in Germany for the final 12 months of his contract is not an option.
Chelsea and United will both attempt to take advantage of the situation, with both sides having far superior financial might compared with Barcelona.
Lewandowski scored more goals than anyone in Europe’s ‘top five’ leagues this season, scoring 50 times in 46 games across all competitions.