Bayern Munich: Alaba and Lewandowski not for sale despite rumors

Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (L) celebrates with Bayern Munich's Austrian midfielder David Alaba (R) after scoring his team's second goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern Munich on February 17, 2018 in Wolfsburg. / AFP PHOTO / Ronny Hartmann / ALTERNATIVE CROPRESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050 / (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (L) celebrates with Bayern Munich's Austrian midfielder David Alaba (R) after scoring his team's second goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern Munich on February 17, 2018 in Wolfsburg. / AFP PHOTO / Ronny Hartmann / ALTERNATIVE CROPRESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT + 49 69 650050 / (Photo credit should read RONNY HARTMANN/AFP/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says neither Robert Lewandowski or David Alaba are for sale this summer, despite recent rumors suggesting otherwise.

As the summer transfer window inches closer and closer, several names are being thrown in and out of the rumor mill. Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is one player who can’t seem to avoid being linked with a move away from the club. For the better part of this year, Lewandowski has been heavily linked with a move way from Munich.

Lewandowski has most often been linked with a move to Real Madrid, though other European clubs — such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain — are also reportedly interested in the Pole.

However, those rumors mean nothing if Bayern Munich aren’t willing to sell their star striker. And that seems to be the case. The club has stated on multiple occasions that Lewandowski will not be leaving Bavaria this summer.

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Recently speaking with Kicker, Bayern president Uli Hoeness reaffirmed his club’s stance on the Lewandowski dilemma. Not only does he want to keep the center-forward in Munich, but he also hopes to send a message to all of Europe.

"“We will prove to the football world that the club is still stronger [than the player].”"

Hoeness’ message is pretty straightforward. The Bavarians won’t be selling their star forward this summer. Is that going to stop the transfer rumors, though? Of course not!

Per Kicker‘s report, Uli’s message doesn’t just apply to Lewandowski. It also applies to Austrian left-back David Alaba, who has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks. Alaba’s own father actually confirmed the Spanish giant’s interest in his son.

Like Lewandowski, though, Alaba has a contract with Bayern that runs until 2021. Once again like Lewandowski, Alaba will be expected to see out his professional contract with the club.

There are not only rumors of players leaving the club this summer, though. The Bavarians are also rumored in making several acquisitions of their own this summer. Several young center-backs have been linked with a move to Munich, as well as star forwards like Paulo Dybala and Leon Bailey.

Next: Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard targeted by Bayern Munich

If Bayern do have any summer business planned, expect them to get it done before the World Cup. Die Roten usually keep their transfer work quick and quiet. Expect nothing different this summer.