Chelsea are reportedly interested in re-signing Romelu Lukaku, who is valued at £100 million by Inter Milan.
The Blues, keen on recruiting a high-profile number nine this summer, have shifted their focus towards Romelu Lukaku after failing in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s goal-machine Erling Haaland.
According to The Telegraph (h/t The Metro), the defending European Champions have had two bids rebuffed by Inter Milan for their star striker. However, it is understood Inter are playing hardball and that they may be forced into selling the Belgian international in order to negotiate their way through financial instability.
Romelu Lukaku, 28, is keen on returning to Chelsea—the club he permanently left seven years ago. The 28-year-old moved to Inter Milan from Manchester United in the summer of 2019. He contributed to 24 goals and 10 assists in 36 league games last season, helping the Nerazzurri break Juventus’ decade-long dominance by winning the Serie A title.
This has seen Lukaku propel to the top of Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s wishlist since Dortmund showed no signs of selling Erling Haaland. Whether or not the 28-year-old signs for the Blues remains to be seen, but plans are already being made to bring him back to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea— The final piece of the jigsaw?
After arriving as a replacement for Frank Lampard in January, Thomas Tuchel transformed Chelsea’s season by guiding them to the coveted Champions League title, and finishing in the top four.
Tuchel and co. are expected to mount a serious title challenge in the upcoming campaign, regardless of the Blues failing to bring in a single player in the window other than goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a free transfer from Fulham.
As much as Chelsea’s defence shone through in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign under Tuchel, the same cannot be said about their attack. The Blues struggled to score goals freely, with the German tactician chopping and changing personnel in attack every game.
Timo Werner struggled in his first full season in the Premier League, while Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham weren’t given a lot of opportunities. To put things into perspective, the Blues lacked a potent goal-scorer to finish off chances created by their exciting offensive players and Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku could be a solution to their problems next season.
Lukaku is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in Europe and polished his credentials once again by scoring 30 goals in 44 games across all competitions for Inter Milan last season. He also had a good Euro 2020 campaign with the Belgium national team, scoring four goals in five appearances.
The ex-Manchester United centre-forward, blessed with pace and power in abundance, likes to play with his back to goal and bring teammates into the game. He is a real handful for defenders and lethal in the box, as proven by the type of goals he’s scored mostly in his career.
Lukaku would add quality to the Chelsea squad and spring life to their attack as well, given the form he has enjoyed over the last 18 months. Also, the 28-year-old’s previous Premier League experience could go a long way towards helping Tuchel’s side.
All in all, the Belgian striker’s workhorse attitude coupled with his proven pedigree in front of goal and volumes of experience could make him the final jigsaw in the puzzle for Chelsea to win the Premier League title. Lest we forget, he has some unfinished business at Stamford Bridge.