Robert Lewandowski insists he 'will not be afraid' of Kylian Mbappe ahead of new rivalry

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has insisted he is unafraid of Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, with the two clubs drawn together in the Champions League quarter-finals.

PSG will host Barca in the first leg of their last-eight matchup before returning to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for the return fixture. The winner of this tie will play either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, with four of the competition's favourites — Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid — on the other side of the draw.

Hours before Friday's draw, Lewandowski gave an interview with in which he was asked about the prospect of facing Mbappe as a rival should he join Madrid next season.

«Playing against him in La Liga will be great. If this transfer happens, I will not be afraid and I will perceive it positively,» Lewandowski said.

understands Mbappe remains locked in talks with Madrid regarding a summer switch from PSG, with his contract at Parc des Princes up at the end of the season. They have not yet come to an agreement but the framework of a deal is in place.

Mbappe's final game for PSG could come against Madrid in the final of the Champions League given they are on opposite sides of the draw.

Lewandowski was also asked about his uncertain future at Barcelona, but was defiant that he would be staying put this summer.

«There is no point in continuing this. Everything is clear to me. I know where I will play next season. I will stay in Barcelona,» he added.

Lewandowski has struggled to maintain form this season, scoring only 12 goals in 26 La Liga games. Across all competitions though, he's posted a more respectable 19 in 38, stepping up during their deepest Champions League run in four years.

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