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Three strikers Bayern Munich could sign to replace Robert Lewandowski

sportsmole.co.uk, 17 July 2022, 20:58
After scoring 344 goals in 375 appearances, Robert Lewandowski has bid farewell to Bayern Munich, with the forward looking to write another successful chapter in an illustrious career at Barcelona.

The Poland international departs after winning multiple honours with the Bavarians, including eight Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal trophies and a Champions League crown.

While Lewandowski heads off to Catalonia, the German champions begin to plan for life without their star striker.

The signing of Sadio Mane from Liverpool will bolster Bayern's attacking options, while they would have also been boosted by the news that Serge Gnabry has extended his contract with the club until 2026.

Although they can still call upon a number of top-quality players in the final third, Bayern may feel that they need to find a central striker to replace Lewandowski this summer.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three strikers that the German Champions could target in the transfer window.

Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Harry Kane was linked with a Tottenham departure last summer, but after no move materialised, the England international remained at the club, scoring 27 goals in 50 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign.

Although Kane seems far more settled at the club this year, his future still remains uncertain with only two years remaining on his current contract.

Bayern are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old, with CEO Oliver Kahn describing the Tottenham player as "a top striker" in a recent interview.

As well as goals, Kane has racked up 58 assists across the duration of his Spurs career, which suggests he could fill the void of Lewandowski who contributed with 72 assists in his time with Bayern.

Despite Kane demonstrating the attributes to match Lewandowski's goal and assist tally for the Bavarians, a move this summer may be unlikely, with Kahn indicating that signing Kane is a "dream of the future".

However, if the striker does not sign a new Spurs contract and Bayern are unable to find Lewandowski's replacement this summer, then a transfer to the German champions could still happen in the next couple of years.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Victor Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the best young forwards in Europe after consistently scoring goals for Lille and Napoli over the last three years.

The Nigeria international needed just one season with Lille to make his mark at the French club, with his 38 appearances yielding 18 goals.

Not content with his form at Lille, Osimhen has continued to go from strength to strength since joining Napoli in 2020, scoring 10 goals in his first season in Naples before finding the net on 14 occasions last term.

As a result of Osimhen's impressive form, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been credited with showing an interest in a player that could cost in excess of £80m.

Osimhen - who has three years left to run on his contract - would be well adept at playing in a possession-based side after Napoli finished last season with the highest average possession in Serie A.

At 23-years-old, Bayern would acquire a player that can play at a high level, but also a striker that will continue to develop over the next few seasons.

Jonathan David (Lille)

Jonathan David earned a move to Lille in 2020 after catching the attention of the French club, with a 37-goal haul in a two-year spell at Belgian side Gent.

Despite only turning 21 in his first season in France, David played a pivotal role for Christophe Galtier's side, scoring 13 goals in Lille's surprise Ligue 1 title win.

Although his team failed to match the heights of their title-winning season, David still managed to rack up 15 league goals last term.

The 22-year-old also scored nine goals in Canada's World Cup qualifying campaign to help his country reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986.

David's impressive form has attracted interest from a number of European clubs, including Bayern who could step up their interest following Lewandowski's departure.

Although Lille would not be keen on selling a player who is under contract until 2025, Bayern may regard the Canadian as a realistic option, who could continue to develop at the club.

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