Chelsea’s striker search has led them back to a familiar name – Romelu Lukaku. The Blues have had two bids rejected for the Inter Milan striker but remain interested in signing him this summer.
Chelsea’s recent win over Arsenal in the opening game of The Mind Series was built on two strikes by two forwards. Out of context, that doesn’t scream of a team in desperate need of a striker. However, the bigger picture screams differently; Chelsea’s top scorer in the league last season was a defensive midfielder, while their highest-scoring forward over the last two years is supposedly on his way out. Those are the facts that contextualize their striker search in the current window.
Erling Haaland was the Blues’ main target, but he is unlikely to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, in all likelihood. There could arise a situation where the club pays over the odds for the Norwegian international, satisfies his agent, and then make him one of the better-paid players in their team – but reports so far have fallen short of indicating a formal approach.
As a result, eyes have turned towards Romelu Lukaku, who was, at a time, a Chelsea player. Lukaku signed for the Blues as a teenager, went out on several loans and later, joined Everton permanently. From there, he went to Manchester United and subsequently to Inter Milan, where he is currently.
The Athletic’s Simon Johnson reports that The lues are determined to sign Lukaku this summer, despite Internazionale rejecting two of their bids. The Italian side see Lukaku as key to their plans and would much rather sell Lautaro Martinez, another report from The Athletic stated recently. Inter Milan are in need of further cash inflow after selling Achraf Hakimi earlier this summer. As such, the sale of another key asset is likely.
The report also states that Inter are supposedly lining up a move for Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata in case Lukaku is sold. In contrast, there are also rumours that Lautaro, rather than Lukaku, will be the one to make way. Arsenal have been linked with the Argentinian striker recently.
