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Chelsea have turned their attention to Robert Lewandowski in their search for a new striker, while one Manchester United man is digging his heels in over his future – all in Sunday’s transfer gossip.

LEWANDOWSKI BECOMES TOP CHELSEA TARGET

Chelsea are ready to launch a £50m bid to prise Robert Lewandowski away from Bayern Munich, according to The Sun on Sunday.

Lewandowski has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world throughout his career. In 2020, he won FIFA’s award for the best player in the world. Then, for the second season in a row, he scored more goals than the number of games he played.

His tally of 41 goals from 29 games was a Bundesliga record for a single season. He also earned the European Golden Shoe as a result.

Showing no signs of slowing down despite approaching his 33rd birthday, Lewandowski remains one of the most valuable strikers in the world. But Chelsea may still think they can afford him.

Signing a new centre-forward has become a priority for Chelsea this summer. Last year’s signing Timo Werner has not lived up to his price tag, while Olivier Giroud has left and Tammy Abraham may also make an exit.

The dream signing for Chelsea would be Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund, but he would come at an astronomical cost. The Blues have been trying to drive his price down by proposing a cash-plus-player swap deal, but Dortmund are standing firm.

Therefore, The Sun on Sunday claim that Chelsea are looking at Lewandowski as a cheaper alternative.

Such a deal could cost around £50m. It would be a high price for a player of his age, but the Poland international is very much still worth it.

Bayern know how important he is and are therefore trying to extend his contract, which expires in 2023. Lewandowski, though, would be open to a first taste of Premier League football before he retires.

That prospect may still be on the horizon, but the former Dortmund man could still make such a move this summer.

Bayern would consider granting him his wish should he ask to leave for the Premier League. They would prefer to keep him, though, unless an adequate replacement is lined up. There are very few players of the appropriate calibre to make that possible.

Even so, Chelsea are expected to try their luck with a potential £50m bid. In fact, coach Thomas Tuchel believes Lewandowski is now their best option in the transfer market.

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DE GEA READY FOR MAN UTD BATTLE

David De Gea will return early from his holidays to begin his battle to re-establish himself as Manchester United number one. (Daily Star on Sunday)

Liverpool are set to open talks with captain Jordan Henderson over a new contract, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker is also close to agreeing fresh terms. (Sunday Mirror)

Houssem Aouar could follow Ben White to Arsenal next week to send their spending above the £100m mark. (Daily Star on Sunday)

Man Utd will make their first offer for Raphael Varane within the next week, but will not meet the £50m asking price. (Mail on Sunday)

Chelsea will loan out Conor Gallagher again for the season ahead. Newcastle and Crystal Palace would like to take him. (The Sun on Sunday)

Man Utd are ready to make an offer to Paul Pogba that would see him spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford. (Sunday Mirror)

LIVERPOOL TO DITCH WINTER SIGNING

Ben Davies could leave Liverpool without kicking a ball, with Sheffield United eyeing a loan move. (The Sun on Sunday)

Arsenal want to complete the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga before their pre-season tour of the USA. (Mail on Sunday)

Liverpool will need to sell before they can buy Donyell Malen from PSV Eindhoven. (Sunday Express)

Celtic are considering taking Fraser Forster back from Southampton. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Crystal Palace are beating Leeds in the race to sign Adler Nascimento from Peterborough United. (Mail on Sunday)

Atletico Madrid have identified Max Aarons of Norwich City as a possible replacement for Man Utd target Kieran Trippier. (Sunday Mirror)

AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Newcastle are ready to make a move for Fenerbahce midfielder Irfan Kahveci. (Fanatik)

Mauro Icardi would be willing to switch Paris Saint-Germain for Juventus this summer. (Foot Mercato)

The agent of Romelu Lukaku has confirmed he will be staying at Inter despite their financial issues. (FCInterNews)

Juventus would be interested in re-signing Miralem Pjanic from Barcelona, who are trying to offload him after one season. (Mundo Deportivo)

Barcelona midfield prospect Riqui Puig will decline the chance to leave in favour of fighting for his place. (Diario Sport)

The post Paper Talk: Chelsea prepare stunning £50m move for record-breaking Haaland alternative; Man Utd star digs heels in over exit appeared first on TEAMtalk.