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What's the story?
Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is desperate to move to Real Madrid next summer, according to a report in Spanish news outlet AS. The Polish striker's relationship with the Bundesliga champions has broken down completely, with his public criticism of the club's ambition leaving top officials angry. The 29-year-old has reportedly instructed his agents to force a move to Real Madrid, despite the fact that preliminary contact ended with Madrid noting that they would not sanction a move for a player who would be 30 years of age in 2018. Lewandowski remains keen, however, and would even consider a pay-cut to force through a move to his 'dream club'.
Also Read: Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: A Tale of Two Strikers
In case you didn't know...
Having had middling spells at Znicz Pruszków and Lech Pozna?, Lewandowski came to worldwide prominence in his second season at Borussia Dortmund, firing the club to two consecutive league titles. The Polish striker stunned the world of football by moving to rivals Bayern Munich upon running down his contract, and then proceeded to win the Bundesliga in each of his seasons at the Bavarian giants, scoring 117 goals in 153 appearances for Bayern so far.
The heart of the matter
Bayern Munich's inability to win the UEFA Champions League has been gnawing away at Lewandowski, who was left less than impressed by the club's moves in the transfer market this summer. He said, "Bayern will have to come up with something and be creative if the club wants to keep bringing world-class players to Munich. And if you want to compete at the top, you need to have these quality players."
Coupled with his criticism of Carlo Ancelotti and his teammates towards the end of last season, Lewandowski's loyalty was questioned by club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Thus, Real Madrid are in a favourable position to move for the Polish striker, although Zinedine Zidane reportedly favours a move for Timo Werner, who is 21 years of age and would be fine being backup to Karim Benzema.
Also Read: Reports: Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos urge €80m striker to join Real Madrid
Video: Lewandowski on a Real Madrid move last season
Author's Take:
Real Madrid fans may be immensely frustrated with Karim Benzema at the moment, but Robert Lewandowski is not the answer. The Polish striker may be far too selfish to thrive alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and spending a massive amount on a player who turns 30 seems foolish. Timo Werner has the world at his feet at the moment, and is considerably the better option.
