Bayern’s four-man shortlist to replace Lewandowski & Gnabry

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 17 May 2022 17:07 BST
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich are in talks with four players over possible summer moves as they prepare for the potential departures of Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry.

The Bavarians sealed their 10th consecutive Bundesliga title this season in Julian Naglesmann's first campaign in charge, but an exit to Villarreal in the Champions League semi-finals has raised some question marks over the former RB Leipzig head coach.

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Niklas Sule will join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer when he contract expires this summer, while Lewandowski and Gnabry could join him in exiting the Allianz Arena to ensure a summer turnover is needed.

Lewandowski, 33, joined Bayern in 2014 and has scored over 300 goals for the club since arriving. During the 2021/22 season, he netted 50 times in just 46 appearances in all competitions, but he reportedly wants out and has told Bayern chiefs he won't extend his current deal, which is due to expire in 2023.

According to sources in Germany and across Europe, Lewandowski wasn't happy with Bayern's brief pursuit of Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland, who will join Manchester City this summer, and wants a new adventure on the continent.

Barcelona are currently leading the race to sign Lewandowski and according to respected Polish journalist Mateusz Borek, they are set to offer €40 million for the Bayern star's services.

Bayern have stressed they don't want to sell Lewandowski, but Barcelona are willing to back head coach Xavi by signing a world-class striker this summer, and Lewandowski is top of his list. Chelsea have also been linked, although it's clear Barcelona lead the way.

As for Gnabry, he has stalled contract renewal talks with the club, despite being offered €17-19 million-per-year in a take-it-or-leave it deal according to Bild.

Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for the German forward.

As a result, Bayern have opened talks with two Gnabry replacements and two Lewandowski replacements, as reported by Bild.

Who are Bayern in talks with?

Bayern have identified the need to replace Lewandowski and Gnabry if they have indeed both played their last game for the club, and have settled on two names in both positions.

Saša Kalajdžić and Sebastian Haller are both undergoing talks with the club as Lewandowksi's replacement, while Sadio Mane and Ousmane Dembele are the two players wanted if Gnabry leaves.

Kalajdžić is currently at Stuttgart and netted six goals in 15 Bundesliga games during the 2021/22 season, while Haller was prolific for Ajax under Manchester United-bound Erik ten Hag. The former West Ham talisman scored 34 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions.

Mane and Dembele have both enjoyed a fruitful time on the pitch during 2022 following indifferent starts to the campaign. The Liverpool man has transitioned into a number nine over the past few months following Luis Diaz's arrival, so it remains unclear whether Bayern see him as a Gnabry or a Lewndowski replacement.

The Senegal international has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, while Dembele sits on 13 assists in La Liga this campaign.