Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Three interesting background suitors emerge, as favourites to take Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea named

Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech smiling while sitting on the bench for Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech smiling while sitting on the bench for Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku is most likely to return to Inter Milan if he leaves Chelsea, but a report claims there are three background suitors for the striker as well.

It has been an underwhelming season for Romelu Lukaku after a club-record return to Chelsea. He reached the 30-goal landmark in each of his two seasons with Inter, but has struggled to replicate those standards in the Chelsea colours.

The Belgian caused controversy earlier in the season by questioning the system he finds himself in. Although his subsequent exile from the team has ended, his long-term future is still at risk.

Lukaku is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2026. However, once they are cleared to do transfer business again pending a potential takeover, he could be set for a premature exit.

Reports recently named him as a target for Paris Saint-Germain in their post-Kylian Mbappe era. But an update from Fichajes has named his former club Inter as his likeliest next takers.

Indeed, in his controversial Italian interview, Lukaku wanted to clarify the terms of his Inter exit. He made it clear he would be happy playing for the club again.

The Serie A champions would have to work out how to finance a deal, since they sold him due to their issues in that regard. But if things settle down for them, they could welcome him back.

However, Fichajes write that there are three other contenders for Lukaku’s signature. Not mentioning PSG, they instead identify Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich as his possible options.

PSG reignite interest in Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku

PSG reignite interest in Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku

PSG need to replace Kylian Mbappe and are looking at Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea to do it

Lukaku has never played in either La Liga or the Bundesliga, but has the pedigree that appeals to Europe’s elite clubs.

In Bayern’s case, he would be a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski. Regarded by many as the best striker in the world, the 33-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and may be seeking a new challenge.

Therefore, the German giants would require a replacement of a high level. That’s where Lukaku could fit in.

Romelu Lukaku linked with La Liga pair

Romelu Lukaku representing Chelsea

Alternatively, the former Manchester United man may appeal to either of Spain’s two biggest clubs.

Real Madrid want an elite striker to succeed club legend Karim Benzema. Their priorities are Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, but Lukaku could be a backup plan.

As for Barcelona, a move is unlikely due to the impact of ex-Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Yet, they could still sense an opportunity for Lukaku themselves.

For now, he must stay with Chelsea until they are permitted to sign and sell players. He will be hoping to improve his goal tally, after only scoring five times this term in the Premier League.

As things stand, it looks like he will be classed as a flop for his second spell at Stamford Bridge. His target should be to leave a better impression, even if he walks away from the club this summer.

READ MOREEchoes of Lukaku, as Germany goal-getter Timo Werner suggests Chelsea style isn’t as suitable