Bayern Munich's waste of time could cause them ultimate price in summer transfer window

Bayern Munich's futile pursuit of Erling Haaland could see them pay the ultimate price of losing Robert Lewandowski this summer.

The prolific Pole has struck 45 times in 37 appearances for Bayern this season, however, there remain question marks over his future at the club. The 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and, as of yet, a fresh Bayern offer has not been forthcoming.

Lewandowski recently admitted that he is "open to anything" as the uncertainty surrounding his future lingers on and the striker won't be short of suitors come the end of the season. Though Bayern reportedly remain confident of tying him down to a new deal, the club's pursuit of his potential replacement could prove costly.

According to Sport Bild, the reason the current Bundesliga champions have been hesitant over offering their star striker a new deal is due to their interest in Borussia Dortmund's Haaland. However, their hopes of signing the Norwegian appear to have been short-lived.

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn is said to be a huge admirer of the 21-year-old's and discussed the prospect of Haaland joining Bayern in a meeting with his agent Mino Raiola. However, a move has since been deemed not financially viable, seemingly putting paid to the idea that Haaland could succeed Lewandowski.

The club's reluctance to resolve the Pole's contract saga, coupled with their public pursuit of Haaland, could now prove costly this summer. Bayern are running the risk of being left without a talisman up top amid speculation that Lewandowski could end his eight-year association the Bundesliga giants at the end of this season.

Speaking to Sky Sport Deutschland on the subject of no contract offer from Bayern, Lewandowski admitted earlier this