Lothar Matthaus has urged Bayern Munich to make a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku if any financially feasible opportunity presents itself.
As things stand, Bayern are at risk of losing their primary goalscorer Robert Lewandowski, who recently expressed his desire to leave the club this summer with one year left in his contract.
Obviously, losing a player who scored over 35 goals in Bundesliga in 2021/22, more than double that of any of his teammates, would leave a huge void for Bayern to fill this summer.
Identifying a top striker to replace the Poland international is already a difficult task, let alone those who could be available in the transfer market.
Club icon Matthaus, however, believes Lukaku would be “the ideal solution”, at least in the next few years, despite his underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge.
“I would get Romelu Lukaku if it were economically feasible. Lukaku and Sadio Mane for Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry if the German international were to leave the club,” the 1990 Ballon d’Or winner told BILD.
“They would have quality, they would have charisma.
“With such an attacking line, Bayern would not have to fear any team.
“Those responsible at FC Bayern, who are publicly criticised [amid potential summer departures], would have made their mark.
“No defender would like to play against Lukaku, Mane can be used flexibly.”
Lukaku reportedly inching closer to Chelsea exit
Lukaku himself has been linked with a move away from Chelsea after a disappointing return to west London.
He is still joint-top scorer at the club, alongside Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, with 13 goals in all competitions, but still failed to cement his spot as a first-choice number nine.
The Belgium international made just 16 starts in the Premier League and mostly played a second fiddle to Havertz in the second half of the season.
Recent reports suggest that Lukaku is keen on a return to Inter Milan, potentially on loan, but it remains unclear whether the Italian club would be ready to meet the fees Chelsea would reportedly demand.
In any potential permanent deal, the Blues would likely want to recoup at least most of the £97.5million they paid Inter last summer, though.
Chelsea’s reported long-term interest in Lewandowski could result in a swap deal plus cash being on the card, although arranging such an agreement would be even more complicated.
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