Barcelona have been dealt a further blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski with the German giants set to hold out for £43million. 

Robert Lewandowski announced at a press conference that his career at Bayern was 'over'

The 33-year-old said prior to Poland's Nations League clash with Wales earlier this month that his career with the German club was 'over'.   

'My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club,' he said. 

'Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me – I don’t want to play there any more.'

'A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.'  

And officials at the Bundesliga side are insisting the player report back for pre-season training on July 12 with the rest of the squad, who are reportedly upset with their team-mate's behaviour. 

One of the issues for Lewandowski is the matter of Barcelona's well-documented financial troubles and they are unlikely to be able to match Bayern's valuation - something the Bavarians will be all too aware of. 

And while Barca had hoped the forward's insistence might weaken Bayern's resolve, it appears to have had the adverse effect as the Bundesliga side are even more determined to keep their star player.

Xavi sees Lewandowski as the perfect solution to Barca's problems up front, with the line largely lead by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Bayern see no need to sell and with the player under contract for another year they are happy to keep him at the club until 2023.

The recruitment of Sadio Mane also means they won't lack any goal threat if Lewandowski were to sit on the sidelines. 

Bayern will also be aware that he will want to play regularly ahead of the Qatar World Cup, where he will lead his country's campaign and could renege on his stance in ahead of the tournament.

In Lewandowski Xavi would have one of - if not the - premier striker in world football, after another dominant season with 50 goals and seven assists in 46 games, but Barca will have to bring a much more persuasive offer to the bargaining table.