Credit: Serge Gnabry Instagram & Robert Lewandoski Instagram- Chelsea have now moved to the front of the cue for Robert Lewandowski following Barca’s signing of Raphinha
- The Stanford Bridge outfit are negotiating a reduced double deal for two players whose contracts run out next summer
- Former Arsenal man Gnabry is holding out a massive £14m-a-year salary, DOUBLE his current Munich package
Chelsea is looking to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Bayern Munich stars Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski, with owner Todd Boehly scheduling meetings with the Munich hierarchy later this week to thrash out a deal.
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The Stanford Bridge outfit are actively looking to re-shape their attack for the coming season, with further exits expected following the season long loan of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan. Hakim Ziyech particularly is being heavily linked with a move to AC Milan according to Sky Sports, whilst questions marks remain over the futures of Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner.
Raheem Sterling looks set to be the first arrival of the Todd Boehly era, arriving from Man City in a £45million deal which includes an extra £10m in add-ons according to The Guardian.
A number of key targets have thus far slipped through the net this summer for Thomas Tuchel’s side, notably Richarlison, who joined Spurs in a £60m deal early this month. Another Brazilian international Raphinha has also chosen Barcelona over the blues according to the Daily Mail, joining the Catalan outfit in a €71m deal which is set to be announced later this week.
Credit Raphinha InstagramRobert Lewandowski’s hopes of a move to Barcelona now seem all but over following the signing of Raphinha. Questions marks remain over how Joan Laporta is structuring such a deal given the clubs dire financial situation, a further €50m outlay for the polish forward seem highly likely even if midfielder Frenkie de Jong does join Manchester United.
Lewandowski, 33, has openly courted a move to Barcelona all summer, with both parties agreeing personal terms back in June, as reported by Best Eleven. Munich’s €50 m upfront valuation of the forward will almost certainly kill the deal, although this has not put off Chelsea, with the striker highly rated by Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel. The German tactician is reportedly convinced the striker still has several years left in the top flight football.
German winger Serge Gnabry has also emerged a serious target for Chelsea and is expected to re-enforce the right side of their attack. The former Arsenal star has been in a contractual standoff with Munich for over a year now as reported by Bild. The attacker is looking to double his current £6.7 m a year salary to between £14 m and £16 m.
The players contractual requirements have so far been shunned by Munich, with the terms on par with that of the club highest earners. The 26-year-olds contract runs out in the summer of 2023, making a summer exit highly likely. is keen to cash in now as appose to losing the player for nothing a year from now.
Chelsea is understood to value Gnabry at £35m and Lewandowski closer to £40m. Opening bids are set to made later this week, with both players confirming interest in the move via their agents.
Munich will no doubt hold out for upfront payments, although there’s a feeling on both sides a deal can be reached relatively quickly. The German side are keen to move both players on and avoid any further disruptions ahead of the new season.
