It’s a new dawn at Camp Nou under Xavi Hernandez and according to the Catalan outlet Sport, Barcelona are chasing the signing of Robert Lewandowski in the upcoming summer window. They are even considering a player plus cash deal involving Sergino Dest to secure the services of the Bayern Munich talisman.
The Polish hitman has been a revelation in German football since his low-key transfer to Borussia Dortmund from Lech Poznań. He flourished as a ‘goal machine’ during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, but the Bavarians eventually raided their Bundesliga rivals to tie him down on a pre-contract agreement back in January 2014. Lewandowski joined them on a Bosman six months later and has fired in 339 goals in 367 appearances over the past eight years.
Meanwhile, his current deal at Allianz Arena is expiring next season. Bayern are yet to open extension talks with the player’s entourage and the growing uncertainty has alerted the La Liga giants with a view to strengthening themselves high up the pitch.
Barcelona Must Get This Deal Done
Xavi has galvanized his former club since replacing Ronald Koeman as the new Barca boss. They have climbed up to the second spot in the league standings and are also going strong in the Europa League after suffering a shocking group stage exit from the Champions League early into the campaign. An array of youngsters like Pedri, Gavira and Nico González have stepped up to deal with the crisis and the title race is likely to heat up once again if the resurgence continues with some statement signings.
Barcelona made some costly mistakes in recent windows, but a few shrewd inclusions helped them defy the odds during the past couple of months. They banked on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who left Arsenal by mutual consent back in winter and the Gabon international, roped in as a free agent, is now showing his expertise while spearheading the attack.
On the other hand, Bayern must listen to offers for Lewandowski to recoup a fee rather than losing him for nothing a year later. The centre-forward, too, is reportedly open to joining the Catalans and it remains to be seen whether Die Roten reduce their initial £54m asking fee by accepting the offer involving Dest.
Barcelona have also identified Alexandre Lacazette, who is in the final months of his Gunners contract and a reunion of the former Arsenal pair cannot be ruled out donning the Blaugrana colours.
