Thomas Tuchel has made an honest admission regarding his interest in Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
The forward appears to be on his way out of Bayern Munich this summer, with Barcelona looking like the most likely destination for the Poland international.
Chelsea were previously linked with a move for the world-class striker but these rumours have since died down.
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Lewandowski previously admitted that he will not consider other offers due to his desire to join Barcelona.
He said: "No other offers were even considered by me other than that of Barcelona. I want to leave Bayern, that’s clear.
"It's time for a new stage for me. I hope the fans will understand. I would get the chance to take on a new challenge at another club for a few more years. That's my wish."
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This handed Tuchel and Chelsea a blow as they searched to replace Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian re-joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan less than a year after arriving at Stamford Bridge for £97.5 million.
Speaking to the press, as quoted by Adam Newson of football.london, Tuchel admitted that Chelsea could enter the market for a replacement for Lukaku but that it is not a priority.
"At the moment, we have Timo (Werner) as a nine, we have Kai (Havertz) as a nine, we have Michy Batshuayi as a number nine, we have Armando Broja as a nine, Raheem Sterling as a nine, maybe, and let’s see how things work out,” he said.
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"I think, right now, there is not the first priority to get another big striker in. I think we have enough intensity, goalscoring ability, and mobility to compensate. We go from there. We need to focus on different areas first and maybe see later."
The German was then posed the question regarding Lewandowski and the potential to bring him to Stamford Bridge, with Tuchel refusing to rule out a move for the forward.
He continued: "I don’t think we have a chance but if there is, he is one of the best number nines.”
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"But it does not make sense to comment on other clubs’ players and I will not start doing it. There are top number nines out there at the moment but we are happy with what we have.”
However, it has since been reported by The Athletic that Barcelona are advancing towards signing the Polish international.
While the deal is not yet agreed, there is optimism around a move happening.
Therefore, Tuchel could be set to miss out on a target and may have to look elsewhere for a direct replacement for Lukaku this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Thomas Tuchel, Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms