Chelsea raise doubts: Romelu Lukaku replacement found as Todd Boehly pursues dream move
As time passes, it appears that a solution to the Romelu Lukaku situation will be required. Maybe there was some hope that with a few good performances near the end of an awkward season and the reality of his £97.5 million price tag making any exit unlikely, he'd stay.
Given the ludicrous figures being floated for a potential loan back to Inter, it is reasonable to consider the possibility of that happening at this early stage of the window.
However, with many reports indicating the striker's dissatisfaction and Chelsea fans having little desire to see him stay, Todd Boehly and Thomas Tuchel will almost certainly save him.
If that happens, the focus will quickly shift to replacements and how the club can improve its attack in what is already a difficult summer with a lot to do. Names such as Robert Lewandowski, Christopher Nkunku, and Darwin Nunez have already been linked to Stamford Bridge, but does this situation necessitate a different approach?
Would Chelsea be making the same mistake by spending a large sum on a "goalscorer" when other aspects of Tuchel's attack require more attention?
We assembled a panel of Chelsea writers, including Adam Newson, Scott Trotter, Bobby Vincent, and Daniel Childs, to discuss how the club should replace Lukaku this summer.
Newson, Adam
Lukaku was supposed to be the answer to Chelsea's lack of clinical edge in the final third – and it's often forgotten that he was the top scorer in all competitions last season with 15 goals. But there's no denying he fell short of expectations both on and off the field.
His relationship with the majority of Chelsea fans appears to be irreparable; his December interview with Sky Italia did him no favors. It's also clear that he wants to return to Italy and rejoin Inter Milan this summer. That is a problem that the Blues must address.
What happens next is extremely difficult to predict. Armando Broja certainly deserves a preseason to impress – if that's what he wants, given the interest in his services – but I'm not convinced he's ready for the responsibility that comes with being a Chelsea striker.
And, given the Blues' recent track record of signing forwards, I'm not sure a transfer window raid would solve the problem, though Christopher Nkunku is an intriguing option given his 2021/22 season at RB Leipzig and versatility.
If I were you, I'd put my money on Kai Havertz to step up again next season and fill the creative void left by the absences of Ben Chilwell and Reece James. After all, having a forward is pointless if chances aren't being created.
Trotter, Scott
The prospect of Romelu Lukaku leaving Chelsea less than a year after his record-breaking move is disheartening. Not only because of the transfer failure, but also because there is another issue that can arise from where Chelsea need to be busy in the transfer market - predominantly in defence and midfield.
While Kai Havertz has not had an outstanding season, he has demonstrated that a player of his profile is better suited to a forward role, so perhaps the focus should be on finding a player who can play in a variety of forward positions. Christopher Nkunku would be a tempting option, but if the price is right, the latest reports of Gabriel Jesus could be particularly compelling for me. If Armando Broja is not convinced by another loan, this may leave some room for him to develop.
Daniel Childs
I would look to invest elsewhere in order to improve Chelsea's creativity, which is a larger problem that cannot be solved with another focal point. There is also the issue that, with Tuchel's current setup, investing in another forward who will not adapt to or play to the Blues' strengths will be futile.
Armando Broja should be promoted and given a chance in preseason. I would prioritize the integration of Conor Gallagher into the first team, with my attention shifting to Ousmane Dembele or a creative wide player who can make an impact.
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