Chelsea are reportedly monitoring former striker Romelu Lukaku as a potential alternative for top target Erling Haaland this summer.
An exclusive report from Daily Telegraph has shed light on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker. It is believed that the Blues are in the market for a centre-forward who can prove to an upgrade over Tammy Abraham as well as a replacement for Olivier Giroud, with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland topping the shortlist.
However, Chelsea are aware of the fact that they are not to only club interested in the services of Haaland this summer. As such, they have eyed Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku as a potential alternative, in light of his recent success in Italy, under the leadership of former Chelsea coach Antonio Conte.
A former member of the infamous loan cadre of Chelsea, Lukaku is best known for his time in England, having also plied his trade at West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Manchester United. He scored 113 goals in just over 250 matches in the English top-flight, with a majority of them coming during his spell at Goodison Park.
The Belgian international has continued his rich scoring form in Serie A as well, having found the back of the net 42 times in 62 matches since joining Inter Milan in 2019. The former Chelsea striker’s impeccable scoring record, combined with his physically astute style of play and an improved composure in possession seem to have attracted the interest of Thomas Tuchel.
The German tactician has visibility improved Chelsea’s performances and overall tactical identity since replacing Frank Lampard earlier this year. However, in Timo Werner, the club has procured a somewhat disappointing figure as the big-money signing from RB Leipzig has failed to fire on all cylinders, as far as productivity is concerned.
The German international has netted only five goals in 28 league appearances so far. It has left Chelsea relying on other individuals like Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount in the goalscoring department. Werner has been even linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer, which should nicely pave the way for Lukaku to re-join the Blues.
The Belgian has loads of experience at the highest level of football and his physically-oriented style of play is much more suited to the Premier League. In Lukaku, Tuchel will find a target man, who can not only be an upgrade over a departing Giroud but also Abraham, in terms of consistency and movement, making him quite a coup for Chelsea this summer.