Bayern rule out Chelsea transfer for Robert Lewandowski and say they are not in running for Erling Haaland this summer
BAYERN MUNICH president Herbert Hainer has confirmed his side are NOT in the running for Erling Haaland – and that star man Robert Lewandowski will stay until his contract runs out.
The news will come as a boost to Chelsea, who view Haaland as their No 1 target this summer.
Lewandowski had also been on the Blues’ shortlist but Hainer, 67, said the Pole will stay until at least June 2023.
Hainer has confirmed to German website Spox that Bayern will not bid for the in-demand Norway star, leaving Chelsea in pole position
Haine said: “Robert Levandowski will play for Bayern until June 2023. He has a contract and he’s staying here.
“We’re not looking for a new striker.”
This comes after it had been reported that Bayern were confident of landing Haaland, 20, next summer, when his release clause reduces to just £65million.
But if Hainer’s comments are to be believed, Bayern will not be seeking to replace Lewandowski at least until 2023.
The former Dortmund striker, 32, is about to begin his eighth season with the Bavarian club and has shown no signs of slowing down, netting a league record of 41 goals last season.
It has been claimed that if Chelsea failed in their pursuit of Haaland, they would attempt to prise Lewandowski away from Bayern in a £50m deal.
But since it has been made clear that no offers for the Poland international will be entertained, Chelsea will have to look elsewhere if they are unable to entice Haaland to Stamford Bridge.
Romelu Lukaku has also been linked with a return to West London after leaving the club in 2014.
CHELSEA OPTIONS?
The Belgium international has been in red-hot form for both club and country of late, firing Inter to their first Scudetto in 11 years this season with a combined 35 goals and assists.
It has been suggested that Inter could be tempted to part with their talisman for a fee of £102.5million.
But the former Manchester United man played down talks of leaving the San Siro, claiming he is very happy at Inter.
COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
Dream Team 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!
- £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
Most read in Football
According to reports, Chelsea will have to cough up a colossal £150m to secure Haaland this summer, which is more than double their record transfer fee paid to Athletic Bilbao for Kepa.
Based on the hardball tactics Dortmund employed in their long-running transfer negotiations with Manchester United over Jadon Sancho, Dortmund will not let their star striker go easily.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will be looking for a swift resolution, with the club kicking off their new campaign against Crystal Palace on August 14.
Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals