Romelu Lukaku has been added to Chelsea’s short list of potential forward targets for the summer, according to reports.
Lukaku previously played for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, but spent most of that time on loan to other clubs. In total, he only made 15 appearances for the club before packing his bags and joining Everton. It was a move they may have regretted.
Chelsea have sidelined a number of players who have managed to develop their potential elsewhere in recent years. Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah are examples, but so is Lukaku.
He may have left Manchester United without receiving the respect he deserved in 2019, but since joining Inter thereafter, he has proven to be one of the best strikers in the world.
The Belgian was Inter’s top scorer last season with 34 goals in all competitions. This season, he already has 25 goals to his name and looks set to outmaneuver all of his teammates again.
Lukaku’s form in Italy has led some clubs to consider giving him a second chance in the Premier League. For example, Manchester City have been linked to a move by their former rival.
But now, a surprising return to Chelsea could be on the cards, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper claims that Lukaku has been identified as a possible alternate target if Chelsea cannot sign Erling Haaland in the summer. The Borussia Dortmund striker is his main target, but he comes at a high price.
Also, there have been reports that the Norwegian is not interested in Chelsea as a next destination. If they can’t convince you, they should turn their attention elsewhere.
Lukaku is now back on his radar and he may have unfinished business at Stamford Bridge. He never scored for his senior team, but is expected to do so at a regular pace today.
Inter may have to sell some of their key players this summer due to financial difficulties. They would surely prefer to stay with Lukaku if possible, but it is still unclear if he will have to be euthanized.
In that case, returning to Chelsea may be an option for the 27-year-old.
The Blues invested heavily in attacking reinforcements last summer. However, few have managed to prove themselves.
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Timo Werner went through a goal drought earlier in the season, while winger Hakim Ziyech and attacking midfielder Kai Havertz have also struggled.
Of the players who were already at the club before, Tammy Abraham has been less involved this season and Olivier Giroud is out of contract at the end of the season.
That means signing another new forward has again become a priority for Chelsea, and their search may have led them back to Lukaku.
Haaland price exceeds £ 150 million
As stated above, one of the reasons Chelsea broadened their focus on finding a striker is Haaland’s price.
The Leeds-born forward has a € 75 million buyout clause active next summer. Until then, however, Dortmund can charge whatever rate it wants.
According to ESPN, Dortmund have set a starting price of 180 million euros consider a Haaland sale this summer.
Chelsea are not the only contender, and they would be among those most capable of paying a premium rate. However, they may think twice about bidding that much.
That means their gaze is directed elsewhere, even though they are not completely ruled out of the race.
READ MORE: Man Utd, Chelsea’s Doors Open Wide After Haaland’s Admission By Expert
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