Real Madrid Transfer News: Robert Lewandowski Targeted, Latest Blancos Rumours

After stuttering to a 0-0 draw against Sporting Gijon in their La Liga opener, Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a deal to sign Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski.

According to Spanish website Fichajes.net, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is "desperate" to sign the Poland international after he enjoyed a superb first season at the Allianz Arena, per Izzy Horsefield of the Daily Express.

Horsefield stated Bayern would be unlikely to part with Lewandowski "unless they received an offer over £45 million," but even then it would be difficult to imagine the Bundesliga champions cashing in.

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Although multi-faceted Thomas Muller can play in a central attacking role when required, Lewandowski stands as the only pure-breed senior striker at the Bavarian outfit, holding almost irreplaceable status for Pep Guardiola.

The 27-year-old was an incredibly valuable pickup for Bayern, signing as a free transfer last summer before going on to score 25 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions during his maiden campaign.

Squawka illustrated precisely what a prolific asset Lewandowski has been in Bundesliga circles over the past two seasons, scoring more German top-flight goals than any other player during that period:

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is under increased pressure to ensure things are quickly turned around at the Bernabeu following their stuttered start, with front man Karim Benzema playing a big role in that regard.

According to Canal+ journalist Pierre Menes (via the Telegraph), the France international continues to be linked with a move away from Madrid, despite taking to his official Twitter account to quash any speculation:

Real fans may have found out just how integral Benzema is to their plight after he missed the 0-0 stalemate against Sporting Gijon through injury, with Los Merengues lacking a clinical touch in his absence.

Lewandowski would appear committed to the Bayern cause, too, after telling the club's official website that fans can expect even stronger form in the 2015-16 season, per the Daily Mail's Sunni Upal:

"

I don't believe the fans have already seen the best of me. I can, and will, be even better this season, I'm certain of that. It's not always easy of course as there are so many factors involved. It's vital we play well as a team. That's the most important thing.

It would be useless to me personally if I was to finish top scorer but we only come second in the Bundesliga and go out of the Champions League in the last sixteen.

"

The Pole is a crucial member of the lineup, and Guardiola would be forced into a dramatic shift of tactics if Lewandowski were to be sold so late in the summer transfer window.

Lewandowski came off the bench to score a late winner against Hoffenheim earlier this month, where Bleacher Report's Stefan Bienkowski highlighted Bayern's lack of back-up options in attack:

Real might be among the greatest pulling powers in European football, but even they would struggle to satisfy both Benzema and Lewandowski's needs if both players found themselves in Spain's capital.

As long as the Frenchman remains part of Benitez's squad, it's highly unlikely Los Blancos will be able to accommodate the big-money arrival of Lewandowski.