Atletico Madrid 'keen to sign Barcelona star this summer'

Atletico Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski during this summer's transfer window.

The 35-year-old has again been in strong scoring form for Barcelona during the 2023-24 campaign, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions in 45 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the ex-Bayern Munich striker has struck 57 times in 91 appearances for the Catalan outfit, in addition to registering 17 assists.

Lewandowski has another two years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou, with the option of a further year, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona boss Xavi recently refused to guarantee that the Poland international would still be at the club next season, with the La Liga team believed to be open for offers for the striker.

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Atletico 'exploring summer deal for Robert Lewandowski'

According to journalist Ruben Uria, Atletico are keeping a close eye on Lewandowski's situation and are considering making a move this summer.

The forward recently claimed that he has no desire to seek a move away from Barcelona amid claims that he could make the move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.

"Leaving Barcelona for me this summer is definitely not possible, it is not a topic," Lewandowski told Bild.

"I physically feel good. As of today, this is the case for at least two more years. When I am physically no longer at a top level, I would start re-thinking."

However, the situation could change if Barcelona make it clear that they are looking to offload him this summer in order to make room in their budget.

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Atletico had previous success signing Luis Suarez from Barcelona

Atletico famously signed Luis Suarez from Barcelona in the summer of 2020, and he enjoyed an excellent 2020-21 campaign for the capital outfit, scoring 21 times in 38 appearances.

Suarez helped Atletico secure the 2020-21 La Liga title, and he then went on to score 13 times in his second season at the club before leaving to return to Nacional.

Lewandowski would certainly be capable of having a similar impact for Atletico, with Diego Simeone's side looking to improve on what has been an underwhelming campaign domestically.

The Red and Whites are currently fourth in the La Liga table, some 20 points behind the leaders Real Madrid, who have already been confirmed as this season's champions.

Simeone's team are six points ahead of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, though, with the club on course to secure Champions League football once again for the 2024-25 campaign.