Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Robert Lewandowski and Virgil van Dijk

Chelsea have reportedly shown interest in Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, per reports in Poland. The Blues are said to have made their interest clear to the Bundesliga giants.

Maciej Iwanski of Polish television network TVP (h/t Metro) reported Chelsea's approach. Iwanski revealed the Blues have "registered their interest" in Lewandowski, while also reporting the prolific No. 9 is "considering a move to London, although Bayern Munich are currently ruling out the prospect of selling their leading striker."

This revelation comes hot on the heels of Lewandowski's agent, Maik Barthel, telling German publication Kicker (h/t ESPN.co.uk's Mark Lovell) how his client felt Bayern didn't back him last season.

The issue stems from Lewandowski feeling Bayern didn't fully support his bid to become Bundesliga top scorer in the final game of the season, according to Barthel: "Robert told me there was no support from the coach or an appeal to support him in the final game to become top scorer. He was really disappointed, like I have never experienced before."

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If Lewandowski were to become available, Chelsea would find nobody better in their search for a new striker. Blues manager Antonio Conte has already told Diego Costa he is surplus to requirements, per Richard Parry of the London Evening Standard.

With highly touted Dominic Solanke heavily linked with Liverpool, it means only Michy Batshuayi is on hand as a credible starting striker ahead of next season.

It's no wonder Chelsea have consistently pursued Everton's Romelu Lukaku. The 24-year-old Belgium international has reportedly agreed terms to return to Stamford Bridge, but his potential £100 million fee remains a sticking point, per David Woods of the Daily Star.

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Yet as good as Lukaku is, Lewandowski would be a more prized signing at Chelsea. The Poland international has consistently proved himself at the highest level, both in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea Target Southampton Defender

Chelsea are also linked with Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk as they consider loaning out Frenchman Kurt Zouma, according to Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard.

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Johnson noted how Conte wants to loan Zouma out, having "identified Leonardo Bonucci and Virgil van Dijk as summer targets." Signing either would ensure 22-year-old Zouma has a spell on loan next season, per the report: "Chelsea want the France international to play regularly again having been out for a year from February 2016 with with a knee ligament injury."

However, Johnson pointed out Zouma will only be let go if Conte finds a replacement: "Lyon and Nice have expressed an interest, but Conte won't let him leave until Chelsea have brought a centre half in."

Bonucci worked with Conte at both Juventus and the Italian national team. The Blues have already been linked with a £48.3 million bid for the 30-year-old, per Calciomercato.com (h/t David Wright of the Daily Express).

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Chelsea were also linked with a £50 million move for Van Dijk back in March, per Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph. Since then, the Netherlands international featured in a transfer storm involving Liverpool, a situation that ended with the Reds apologising to Southampton for the way they had pursued Van Dijk, per Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports.

With Van Dijk still available, it would make sense for Chelsea to revisit the idea of signing him, just as it would make sense for the Blues to prioritise going after Lewandowski over Lukaku.