CHELSEA are lining up Robert Lewandowski as a back-up target for Gabriel Jesus after Arsenal took a huge step towards signing the Brazilian, according to reports.
The Blues are desperately chasing a new striker with Romelu Lukaku pushing for a return to Inter Milan after a disastrous 2021-22 season – his first following a £97.5million return to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had hoped to sign Jesus, 25, to solve their centre forward woes, with Timo Werner also struggling for goals following his 2020 transfer.
In fact, the German is regularly forced out wide by Thomas Tuchel, with Kai Havertz leading the line as a false nine.
Tuchel is desperate for an elite striker to finally solve his forward dilemma, with the boss keen on his wealth of Premier League experience and versatility.
But with Arsenal leading the race for the Manchester City star, Tuchel has turned his attention to Lewandowski as a back-up option, according to Christian Falk.
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The Polish striker, 33, is desperate to leave Bayern Munich following a public fall-out with club chiefs.
However, Lewandowski favours a move to Barcelona, with Paris Saint-Germain also considering a last-gasp swoop for the legendary striker.
Bild's head of football Falk confirmed Chelsea are BEHIND both Barca and PSG in the race forLewandowski.
That means the Blues are failing in the race to sign both of their top forward targets.
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Chelsea will be boosted by the knowledge in-debt Barcelona may not be able to afford Lewandowski, but are aware PSG won't have such problems.
And they may have to admit defeat in the race to sign Jesus.
According to The Times, Arsenal have submitted a £50m bid for the Man City striker.
The Gunners previously bid £30m for Jesus but are now set to match City's £50m asking price.
The forward is said to be keen on the move to link back up with Mikel Arteta, with whom he worked with at the Etihad.
The Arsenal boss also wants to reunite with Jesus and made the Brazilian one of his transfer priorities this summer after letting Alexandre Lacazette leave.
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Arteta had been apprehensive to spend £50m for a player who is about to enter the final year of his contract.
But the North London club are now seemingly willing to spend what it takes to sign Jesus – in a huge blow to Chelsea.
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