Milan Sets Sights on Lewandowski as Transfer Talks Intensify

According to Calciomercato, AC Milan is poised to make a renewed attempt to acquire Robert Lewandowski, with a meeting scheduled between sporting director Igli Tare and the player’s agent, Pini Zahavi, in the coming weeks. The Rossoneri have identified the 37-year-old striker as a key target for June, believing his addition could significantly enhance the club’s rebuilding efforts under manager Massimiliano Allegri. Although Lewandowski’s contract with Barcelona extends until June 2026, uncertainty surrounding his long-term role, coupled with the club’s ambition to recruit a new striker next summer, has left his future in question.

Milan previously dismissed the idea of pursuing Lewandowski last year due to salary limitations. However, with Champions League qualification now a primary goal, the Rossoneri are optimistic that the timing is right to initiate formal negotiations. The club’s hierarchy has already made preliminary inquiries through Lewandowski’s representatives. This upcoming meeting is anticipated to center on potential salary discussions, as the Polish striker currently earns €20 million (£17 million/$22 million) net at Barcelona, which is nearly three times the salary of Milan’s highest earner, Rafael Leao.

As Barcelona explores options for Lewandowski’s replacement, the situation is entering a crucial stage that may redefine the summer transfer market. Milan’s renewed interest is bolstered by the support of former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now a senior advisor at RedBird Capital, who is a pivotal voice in Milan’s sporting strategy. He perceives Lewandowski as an elite forward who could instantly elevate the team’s performance, reminiscent of his own impactful return to the club in 2020.

On the Barcelona front, the search for a new striker underscores the club’s preparations for a future without Lewandowski. Reports suggest that Harry Kane is atop their shortlist, with the England captain having netted 108 goals in 113 appearances for Bayern Munich since 2023. Other potential targets include Julian Alvarez, a long-time favorite of the club, and even a dream signing of Erling Haaland, described internally as the obsession of president Joan Laporta. Nevertheless, financial constraints have led the Catalan giants to consider more affordable options, such as Etta Eyong, highlighting the magnitude of the transition being planned.

Lewandowski’s diminished role this season—attributable to injuries and the rise of Ferran Torres—has further complicated matters. Yet, he remains Barcelona’s top scorer with seven goals in nine La Liga matches, trailing only Kylian Mbappé in the Spanish scoring charts.

The former Bayern Munich striker has expressed his indecision about his next career move. While representing Poland, he clarified his reluctance to rush into any decisions: “I still don’t know the answer. That’s why I’m not in a hurry; I’m at peace with myself. Even if, for example, the club contacted me now, I still wouldn’t answer that question. Because I also have to feel what’s best for me. Now I’m calm, I’m not in a hurry, and at the moment, I don’t expect anything else.”

This perspective aligns with Milan’s long-term strategy under Allegri and Tare, who aim to recruit experienced leaders to stabilize the squad. Zahavi’s strong rapport with Milan enhances their position significantly. Securing Lewandowski would not only represent a sporting achievement for the Rossoneri but also serve as a symbolic assertion that their project is progressing into a new phase.

The forthcoming discussions with Zahavi will be crucial. If both parties can agree on a salary structure—potentially through performance bonuses or multi-year guarantees—negotiations could advance swiftly ahead of June. Meanwhile, Barcelona is expected to continue its preparations for a major overhaul of its forward line, with the decision regarding Lewandowski serving as the first critical step in this process.

As interest from various European clubs gradually intensifies, all attention now turns to Milan’s next meeting. The pursuit of Lewandowski is only just beginning, and the outcome could shape one of the most significant transfer narratives of the summer.