Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski stated “I’ve received no contract offer from FC Bayern and decided to leave. We need to find the best solution for me and for the club”, as per German sports publication Bild. 

Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sports Italy added that no meeting has been scheduled yet with agent Pini Zahavi, but “he’s gonna push to decide a price very soon”. 

This news comes on the heels of reports from Sport1 journalist Kerry Hau, who informed that Barcelona had reached a verbal agreement to obtain the Polish striker. As per Hau’s report, the Catalans successfully brokered an agreement with Lewandowski’s agent, with the latter agreeing to a three-year contract for the 33-year-old. 

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Zahavi was also the first to have piqued the forward’s interest in the Spanish club and get him to want to move there. 

While his agent might have a role to play in setting the destination, Lewandowski was fixed on leaving the Bavarians at the end of the season, frustrated by the Bundesliga side’s attempts to keep him. 

Hau further reported that the Catalans were preparing a bid in the ballpark of €30-40 million, with the Xavi-managed side ready to make further compensations to acquire the prolific scorer.

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Despite Barcelona’s current shaky finances, club president Joan Laporta is sure of the Spanish side’s ability to take on Lewandowski and bear his expenses, though they are likely to ask him to lower the initial ask. 

Moreover, Barcelona’s recent sale of Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa has seen the club receive €20 million. The club will also be selling players like Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic and Antoine Griezmann

The focus is now to acquire Lewandowski and build the squad around him for the upcoming season. 

However, Bayern might play spoilsport with the club president Herbert Hainer telling Bild “Robert Lewandowski has a contract with Bayern until June 2023 – and he will fulfill it”.