Why Robert Lewandowski Transfer Rumours Should Pique Arsenal Interest

Robert Lewandowski’s dream move to Bayern Munich may not have gone entirely as planned, but a summer departure remains highly unlikely. However, should he and Bayern take the dramatic decision to part ways, Arsenal should ensure they are at the head of the queue for his services.

Although he has scored 11 goals this season, Lewandowski has not been the immediate fit many imagined in the Bayern XI. In their last Bundesliga game, he found himself deployed on the flank of a three-pronged attack in the 8-0 win over Hamburg.

While it’s clear the team functioned perfectly well with that setup, Lewandowski himself may have concerns. He is one of the game’s great centre-forwards and will be determined to establish himself in that role. He did not come to Bayern to be a utility player. The decision to leave him on the substitutes bench for the Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk will also have irked him.

Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press

The distinction in style between Lewandowski and Bayern has led to speculative rumours about his future. Speaking to Sky Sports, former Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann stated his belief that Arsenal are one of several clubs who should seek to pursue Lewandowski should the opportunity arise:

"

If you look at Manchester United, I think they could do with a Lewandowski. At the moment United, Liverpool and even Arsenal... Lewandowski is tailor-made for them.

He came to Bayern Munich on a free last year but if there was an opportunity to get him out I’d break the bank for him because I think he’s the best No 9 in the world.

"

Arsenal have already made one major play for Lewandowski. Speaking to Polish tabloid Fakt (h/t the Guardian) February 2014, the Polish international striker admitted he had already been courted by Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny:

"

I can confirm that Wojciech Szczesny tried to convince me to join Arsenal.

We had several talks about this. It was him who did most of the talking, how the club looks inside, what Arsene Wenger thinks of me.

When we trained before the Champions League games at Colney, there were important people from Arsenal at our sessions as well.

"

It’s clear Arsene Wenger is a huge admirer of Lewandowski’s talent—having witnessed it up close in recent clashes between Dortmund and Arsenal, he’ll know how deadly he can be when deployed correctly.

A move for Lewandowski may seem unrealistic, but that’s the level Arsenal need to shop at if they’re to legitimately improve their squad. For the first time in several years, the Gunners have something resembling a complete playing staff. Arsene Wenger recently remarked that he has two good players in every position on the field. The major structural rebuilding has been undertaken; now it’s time to add a sprinkle of elite talent. There’s no doubt that Lewandowski falls into that category.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The need for Lewandowski is not pressing. Olivier Giroud has been in outstanding form in the last couple of months, and his record for the season now stands at 10 goals in just 12 starts.

However, Lewandowski would still represent a significant upgrade. Arsenal must be ruthless if they are to progress. Although they may talk of having a complete squad, they’re still a way off the Premier League’s front-runners. It’s clear there’s room for improvement, and the acquisition of Lewandowski would help take Arsenal to the next level.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.