In a recent print edition, Gazzetta dello Sport offered an update on Chelsea‘s pursuit of Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku this summer. It is understood that the Blues want to re-sign the Belgian international who has decided to decline the opportunity of sealing a return back to Stamford Bridge in this off-season (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Lukaku’s Terrific Record In Italian Football
It was another successful campaign for Lukaku at San Siro in the previous campaign after he continued to bang in goals at a high rate which helped Inter secure the Serie A title. The 28-year-old registered 30 goals and ten assists in 44 matches for the Milan outfit last season in multiple competitions.
The Belgian sensation gave a good account of himself in the final third as he averaged 2.7 shots, 1.4 key passes 1.5 dribbles per game in the Italian first division. However, he needs to work on improving his link-up play based on his pass success rate of 72.5% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Lukaku is currently playing at the top of his game, so he would have been a great signing for the Blues ahead of the new campaign. However, his decision to stay at Inter will be a big blow for Chelsea and their pursuit of him this summer as he would have solved most of Thomas Tuchel’s goal-scoring worries this summer.
Lukaku Declines A Chance To Return To Chelsea: What Should Be Thomas Tuchel’s Play?
Lukaku can use his powerful 1.91m frame to win some important headers for his side. He can hold possession up quite well and has successfully transformed himself into a lethal finisher in the attacking end of the field. The Belgian marksman can even chip in by picking up his fair share of assists. Plus, he has now developed a winning mindset which makes him a perfect fit for Thomas Tuchel’s style of play at Stamford Bridge.
Now that the Blues have suffered a blow in pursuit of Lukaku, they would have no choice but to look at some of their transfer targets if Tuchel wants to ease his goal-scoring concerns going into the new campaign. The 98-time Belgian international would have added plenty of goals and physicality to Chelsea’s attack.
However, Tuchel still has the likes of Borrusia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane to pursue as they would both serve as an upgrade over Timo Werner who has flattered to deceive during his time at Stamford Bridge thus far.
