Chelsea could join the race to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski despite reports linking him strongly with Barcelona.
The Polish marksman, 33, has established himself as one of the world’s best forwards at the Allianz Arena but is reportedly seeking a new challenge elsewhere.
He has informed the German champions that he has no interest in extending his contract, which expires in the summer of 2023.
That means the coming months may be the final time Bayern can receive a fee for their No9 and a switch to Barca appears to be Lewandowski’s preferred destination due to his desire to play in LaLiga.
Despite indications he has verbally agreed a move to the Blaugrana, negotiations remain difficult between Bayern and the cash-strapped Catalans.
And the Guardian say Chelsea may look to take advantage of that uncertainty by trying to tempt the 2020 Champions League winner to the Premier League.
The Blues will be in the market for a prolific goalscorer this summer with the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner up in the air.
It is hard to think of many strikers who fit that bill better than Lewandowski, who scored an incredible 50 goals in 46 appearances this season.
The report indicates manager Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of the Bundesliga ace and wanted to bring him to Stamford Bridge last summer before the Blues signed Lukaku.
But it is thought that Chelsea’s chances remain slim, with uncertainty continuing to hang over Stamford Bridge due to the ongoing sale of the club to American businessman Todd Boehly.
Once the deal is concluded, funds are likely to go towards sorting out the West Londoners’ defence, with Antonio Rudiger heading to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen poised to join Barcelona.
In other news
The Athletic say Kylian Mbappe has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of a free move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been told he is free to find a new club this summer, according to the Mail.
Barcelona are ready to push through a move for Raphinha according to 90min, though West Ham remain interested in the Leeds winger.