Borussia Dortmund’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has been receiving rave reviews this season fueling talk that Europe’s top clubs will be chasing his services in the summer. As Dortmund have powered through the Champions League campaign, his performances have been given an increasingly high profile, culminating in an outstanding display against Malaga last week, in which he lead the line in the grand manner. Although many clubs have expressed interest, only a few will be able to contemplate the the sort fee – rumoured to be in the region of £25million – that Dortmund will demand.
Out of contract in just over twelve months, the striker has reportedly already told Dortmund that he won’t sign an extension, meaning that the club have little option other than to sell him in the transfer window. Keeping him until his contract expires and allowing him to walk away without financial recompense is not really the sort of thing that the financially prudent Bundesliga clubs tend to do. Where may Lewandoski be plying his trade next season then?
At 24, the attraction of signing the striker is doubtless appealing. Already, in England, the player has been linked with both Manchester United and Arsenal. Wenger’s interest is no doubt sincere, but to secure the transfer, as Arsenal don’t usually stump up the top dollar deals, it’s likely that it would need to be part funded by adding a player to a smaller bid. With Polish-born German international Podolski looking to be somewhat out of favour at The Emirates, it’s possible that a deal could be done. The misfiring Giroud could also be shipped out to balance the books.
The Old Trafford link is longstanding. Liked last summer with the player, their ardor may have cooled since, with the signing of Robin van Persie. A move to United however does seem to be very much on the mind of the player himself. Not only does he believe that the physical style of Premier League football will suit his style of play, the prospect of playing for the perennial English champions is enticing. Two stumbling blocks exist however. Firstly United’s need for a striker is questionable unless Ferguson opts to ship out at least one of Rooney, van Persie, Hernandez or Welbeck. Secondly, reports suggest that the only confirmed interest in the player has come from Dortmund’s rivals Bayern Munich.
It seems likely that neither the club – selling to Bayern would be unpalatable to many of Dortmund’s fans – or the the player – feeling his time in the Bundesliga is over - would be keen to see the move go through. Unless other clubs join the race however, it may be that Lewandowski will start next season at the Allianz.
Source: DSG
