Bayern could move for Blues youngster.Bayern Munich could be preparing a surprise move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, as they eye more depth upfront following the departure of Mario Mandzukic to Atletico Madrid.
CaughtOffside understands that the Bavarian giants are concerned about a lack of depth in attack for next season after losing Mandzukic, who had been expected to play as a backup to new signing Robert Lewandowski, who has joined the club on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
The prolific Polish international is likely to be first choice for Bayern next season, leading Mandzukic to seek an exit from the Allianz Arena as he had not been content to drop down in the pecking order in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bayern already have veteran Peruvian centre-forward Claudio Pizarro as an option on the bench, but with the 35-year-old only on a one-year contract and not a long-term option for the club, Guardiola wants to bring in a younger option to compete with Lewandowski for a place in the side in the long run.
Lukaku has now emerged as the club’s top target, with the Belgian international likely to be available this summer after failing to command a regular place in the Chelsea side.
The 21-year-old has been sent out on loan for the last two seasons, and has caught the eye of a number of top clubs with his fine goalscoring displays for West Bromwich Albion and Everton, notching up 33 goals in the last two seasons.
Still, despite the poor form of the likes of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, Chelsea have opted to spend £32m on the signing of Diego Costa rather than promote Lukaku to first choice, with the youngster keen to look elsewhere for a chance to progress in his career.
A move to Bayern would no doubt appeal given their recent success, though the presence of Lewandowski could present the same kind of problems that have prevented him from playing regularly at Stamford Bridge, and it may be that he will be keen to consider offers from other interested clubs.
The likes of Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur could also be among those ready to take him on, but Bayern will hope to tempt him to make the move to the Bundesliga this summer.
The German champions are ready to meet Chelsea’s asking price of around £32m for the player.
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