Chelsea and Antonio Conte appear to be going all out to land a world class striker this summer. However, it looks like they will need to spend huge money if they want to sign their top transfer target Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues seem intent on securing the services of their former player Romelu Lukaku. Last week they made a £50 million bid for the Belgian forward, only to be rejected by his current club Everton. However, that has not deterred the London giants, who have now submitted an improved offer to their Premier League rivals.
Everton have rejected Chelsea’s improved bid of £57 million as well, with the Merseysiders holding out for a fee of at least £75 million for their star striker, according to the Mirror. However, the report goes on to add that the Toffees have resigned themselves to the fact that Lukaku wants a move back to Stamford Bridge and it is now just a matter of agreeing on a transfer fee.
Lukaku isn’t the only striker on the Blues’ radar. They have also been rebuffed in their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata and have approached Ligue 1 Champions PSG for their Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani. However, they have now identified Lukaku as their primary target, and will likely return with a better offer for Everton to consider.
Romelu Lukaku has improved in leaps and bounds since joining Everton from Chelsea in 2014 for a transfer fee of £28 million. The deal looks to be an absolute bargain in hindsight, as the 23-year-old Belgian has become one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League. His physicality, dribbling ability and finishing was on display this past season as he registered 18 goals and 6 assists in 36 league appearances for the Toffees.
Lukaku and his representatives are now keen for the young striker to take the next step in his career. The player himself has identified Champions League football as being crucial to his development. Chelsea may not be able to offer that just yet, but Lukaku’s history with the club may well help them complete the transfer.