Lewandowski refuses PSG and Chelsea talks due to Barcelona interest

Cameron Smith

• 15 Jul 2022 06:29 CDT
• 3 min read

Robert Lewandowski has refused talks with both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea as he wants to wait until a move to Barcelona is deemed possible or not.

The Poland international is set to leave Bayern Munich this summer, with the player expressing that his "era [at the club] is over" following the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign.

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Lewandowski joined Bayern back in 2014 and has enjoyed eight illustrious years in Bavaria. However, he now wants to move elsewhere, despite having one year remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena.

Barcelona is his preference, with the Blaugrana undergoing a rebuild under new head coach Xavi. Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have both arrived on free transfers this summer, from AC Milan and Chelsea respectively, while Leeds United winger Raphinha has joined for €65 million.

However, financial issues are still in play at Camp Nou, and they look set to sell Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United in order to raise funds.

Raising the money to afford Lewandowski is reportedly the aim, with Xavi wanting to add the former Borussia Dortmund striker to his forward ranks that already include the aforementioned Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Memphis Depay.

Lewandowski's other options

Lewandowski's preference is to join Barcelona this summer, but he does have other options. Both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have registered their interest in the player, with Thomas Tuchel's side reportedly looking to replace Romelu Lukaku, who has re-joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan, while PSG want depth in their forward line.

BILD's Christian Falk has reported that Lewandowski has refused to negotiate with PSG and Chelsea yet due to Barcelona's interest, despite both clubs said to be interested.

Tuchel himself has told Football.London's Adam Newson: "I don't think we have a chance [of signing Lewandowski] but if there is, he is one of the best number nines."

However, the German head coach added: "The priority is not the nine position; we got our top priority [Sterling] signed and it makes me very, very happy as from there we are very flexible."