Robert Lewandowski transfer: Why Arsenal's a better option than Man Utd

FT Desk

Updated: 12 Jul 2022 07:57 CDT
5 min read

Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United are reportedly interested in hijacking Barcelona's move for Robert Lewandowski, but the Bayern Munich striker would be better going to Arsenal according to Chris Sutton. Is he right?

Article continues under the video

Lewandowski has become a legendary striker for Bayern, scoring 344 goals in 375 games for the Bundesliga champions since swapping Borussia Dortmund for Bavaria on a free transfer back in January 2014, winning eight league titles and a Champions League along the way.

But his standing among the Allianz Arena faithful has taken a hit in recent weeks with the Poland captain trying to force a move to Barcelona.

Lewandowski: 'a transfer the best solution'

"My story with Bayern has come to an end, I cannot imagine further good cooperation," he said whilst on UEFA Nations League duty with his country. "I hope they will not stop me just because they can. A transfer is the best solution for everyone."

Robert Lewandowski to Onet Sport:

“No other offers were considered except the one from Barcelona. I've already started to learn Spanish. I have a house in Spain.” 👋 pic.twitter.com/V76ja0H15Q
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) June 6, 2022

But with Barcelona currently unable to even register free transfers Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, a €40m deal for Lewandowski - personal terms agreed or not - seems fanciful at best, and United would be more than able to meet Bayern's asking price.

Sutton - once a Premier League-winning striker with Blackburn Rovers - thinks the record English champions would be the wrong destination for his fellow goal-getter, though.

Sutton: 'Why Man Utd?!'

"I have seen that Lewandowski has been linked," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "If he doesn't go to Barcelona, then he will go to Manchester United. But why?! Why would he want to go to Manchester United? There are bigger and better options out there…

"At this moment in time and Arsenal are a better option, at this moment in time than Manchester United. One club seems to be stable under [Mikel] Arteta, I am not saying Arteta has torn up too many trees, but they are in a better position and they are better placed than Manchester United."

In terms of league position last season, it is difficult to disagree with Sutton. Both clubs might have missed out on the Champions League - a difficult pill to swallow for either set of fans - but the Gunners were only two points away, finishing in fifth, fully 11 points clear of United in sixth.

But there is also the question of Lewandowski's role within either team. Might he fit in better at United than Arsenal? A lot of that would depend on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo is going nowhere this summer ❌ pic.twitter.com/zoEl6THpDn
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) June 3, 2022

Ronaldo tried to persuade Lewandowski to join him at Real Madrid more than once when he was at the peak of his powers at the Santiago Bernabeu, but for most of that decade - 2009-2018 - Ronaldo was still a winger, with Lewandowski complementing his skill-set rather than impinging upon it.

Ronaldo's game has changed

But Ronaldo's game has evolved since around 2016, and he is now every inch a centre-forward himself - one who scored 24 goals in all competitions last season despite United's disappointing league position and his 37 years of age.

New manager Erik ten Hag he confirmed his belief that Ronaldo can continue to score goals for the Red Devils, and with the Dutchman preferring a 4-2-3-1 system in his time at Ajax, it looks like there will only be space for one man up top.

The situation at Arsenal is different. The Gunners' goals were more evenly spread last season, with midfielders Bukayo Saka, Emil Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard contributing the most with 11, 10 and seven respectively in the Premier League.

Arsenal might even have got over the line for the Champions League if they had had a top-level striker - they too employ a 4-2-3-1 - but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fell out with the club in February and was shipped off to Barcelona, and Alexandre Lacazette was allowed to follow him out of the Emirates in June, rejoining Lyon after a paltry four league goals.

Whilst he remains one of the fittest players in football, Lewandowski would also be a welcome wise head at Arsenal at 33 years of age. He no longer wants to play for Bayern, Barca can't afford him, and Man Utd have Ronaldo.

Sutton's hot takes often have followers erupting on Twitter, but this time, he might have a point. Arsenal would be a better option for Lewy than Man Utd.