What's the rumour?
Despite many news reports continuously linking the Polish talisman with a big-money switch to the Spanish capital, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has publicly come out to say that the rumours "do not interest" him.
This development has stemmed from German news outlet BILD, who have revealed the 29-year-old's latest comments.
"I hear this speculation every year. These rumours do not interest me, I do not have to say that anymore," Lewandowski was quoted as saying.
In case you didn't know...
Lewandowski is leading the line in terms of Bundesliga goals scored this season. In 20 appearances, he has netted 18 goals for the Bavarians - 25 across all competitions thus far this term.
He has attracted interest from Real in previous seasons too, as well as some of the Premier League's best clubs. In the summer of 2016, his agent publicly revealed that they had already engaged in talks with Real - prompting speculation that an agreement to sign him was already in principle.
However, any potential deal cooled as the summer months continued and this was simply put down as transfer talk.
The heart of the matter
Real Madrid appear desperate to sign a world-class forward. Having been heavily linked with Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane over the past 12 months, some would argue that the board have already lost faith in Karim Benzema - as the Frenchman's faltering form continues.
Despite tireless rumours suggesting he'd be open to a move away, Lewandowski appears comfortable in Germany, where he has been playing his trade since the summer of 2010.
Rumour rating
6/10. While many will undoubtedly be in disbelief that a player of his quality would turn down the opportunity to play for Los Blancos, Lewandowski is genuinely settled in Germany and it's unlikely he'd actively push for a move away either.
Video
As one of Europe's most clinical goalscorers, here's a video of his Bundesliga finishes this term thus far.
Author's take
While I personally believe Real Madrid have much more to offer Lewandowski than Bayern do in future, I can also understand why he'd want to stay in Germany. Settled with his family and friends there, he's considered a real fan favourite in Munich and continues to flourish there.
Why should he then risk it all, having to learn a new language, experience a different culture and settle into new surroundings when at the peak of his powers?