Bayern Munich have rarely been troubled by goal droughts in recent years and this season is unlikely to produce anything different. Therefore, the German champions may not feel the need to dip into the transfer market for a new striker.
However, considering how the avoidance of injuries is never a certainty in football, Carlo Ancelotti has to seriously consider what his options would be in the unexpected absence of Robert Lewandowski.
Yes, Thomas Muller can occasionally fill the void upfront but looking at Bayern’s squad at the moment, it appears that Lewandowski is actually the only experienced natural striker available, with the best of the remaining options being American youngster Julian Green.
Even so, there is no use in buying a striker with the potential of replacing Lewandowski because whoever that promising youngster is would never develop successfully by sitting on the bench.
In addition to that, the price of a goalscorer with a bright future is astronomical these days. Therefore it would make more sense to recruit a cheaper, older striker who is willing to be the understudy to Lewandowski.
As a backup center-forward, one of the ideal options would be former Bayern Munich star Claudio Pizarro. The Peruvian is an accomplished name in football who comes with bags of experience and is often happy to play the role of an impact substitute.
It would probably be even better for Ancelotti to find an extra striker who is a real threat in the air to provide an alternative to what Lewandowski does week in, week out.
As to who Bayern should purchase, the other option is yet another former Bavarian in Mario Mandzukic. Following the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain at Juventus, the Croatian is no longer guaranteed regular action and would be open to a return to his old club as a result.
AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko could also prove to be a decent choice to have on the bench in desperate times while Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, who is likely to be the most expensive of all the aforementioned strikers, is another man to pursue.
Then again, Bayern’s sheer dominance of the Bundesliga is likely to see them secure the title with or without another striker.
