Chelsea are interested in signing Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan this summer. However, Express Sport understands the Belgium international is happy at the San Siro and ready to stay put in order to fire his side to another Serie A title. And what the Blues decide to do next remains to be seen.
Chelsea are determined to add a striker to their squad this summer.
Despite Thomas Tuchel guiding them to Champions League glory last time out, the German feels more is required if his side are to retain that title.
Chelsea have allowed Olivier Giroud to join AC Milan, while they’re also open to offloading Tammy Abraham amid interest from Arsenal and West Ham.
As things stand, Erling Haaland is their main target.
The Borussia Dortmund star scored 40 goals across all competitions last season, enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s most-promising strikers in the process.
However, with Dortmund insisting Haaland won’t be sold, Chelsea have been linked with Lukaku.
And it seems Chelsea will now have to look at alternatives, especially with Haaland set to be beyond their reach as well.
Harry Kane is admired behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, with the Tottenham star eager to leave north London for a new challenge elsewhere.
But Spurs don’t want to sell to a fierce rival and, anyhow, Manchester City are currently frontrunners in the race to snap him up.
Robert Lewandowski has also emerged as a potential target as the Bayern Munich star enters the twilight years of his career.
Yet Bayern don’t want to lose the Poland international, with new boss Julian Nagelsmann hoping to make the veteran even better this upcoming season.
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Speaking in July, meanwhile, former Liverpool star Peter Crouch urged Lukaku to consider a move back to Chelsea.
He told Paddy Power: “Romelu Lukaku has to be a target for Premier League clubs, without a doubt.
“Look at the money you’d have to spend to get Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe or even Harry Kane. It would cost a lot less to get Lukaku, yet he’s a banker for Premier League goals.
“He gets better every season and I wouldn’t bet against him winning the Euros Golden Boot now. Belgium are a top side and he’s going to get more goals.
“The obvious English destination is Chelsea, though. He’d fit in there. They’ve got pace, which suits him, willing runners, and they’d have an abundance of ability around him.
“He’s been at Chelsea before and I think he’s got something to prove there. I could see him being a good fit under Thomas Tuchel.
“Similarly, if Chelsea sign Erling Haaland, they are title contenders without a doubt. They’ve got a squad capable of a title challenge and will have confidence after winning the Champions League.
“If they get Haaland, they’re 100% in it. It’s going to be a fascinating season to see if anyone can topple Manchester City.”
Chelsea have also been linked with Declan Rice.
But with West Ham wanting £100million for their prized asset, that deal will be tricky to strike.