An asking price of £63million has reportedly been set for Romelu Lukaku. Considering that Chelsea had bought the Belgian from Inter Milan at a whopping £97.5million, it would represent a big loss for the Blues if the striker does end up leaving this summer,
Romelu Lukaku hasn't quite had the special return that he craved upon his arrival at Chelsea. In fact, with just 12 goals in 40 matches, it has been an underwhelming reunion.
The price has been set and Barcelona are said to be assessing the possibilities. They will be one out of many other teams looking for a striker this summer and here are three options that could suit all parties.
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Tottenham - Antonio Conte reunion
If there is anyone that has been able to squeeze the absolute best out of the Belgian, it was Antonio Conte. The Italian had a great relationship with Lukaku during their time together at Inter Milan. The departure of Conte last season with Inter struggling financially inevitably meant that Lukaku would also make his exit - along with right-back Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain.
Lukaku's last season with Conte saw him register 30 goals in 44 matches. These were numbers that Chelsea hoped to replicate but it didn't quite work out. Maybe he could do it with Tottenham? I'm not one to root for a rival, but I do believe a Conte, Lukaku reunion would be a healthy vibe for all parties. There's just one catch for me...
Sell us Harry Kane.
Daniel Levy would probably never buy into this, but let's assess the possibilities and reality. Kane has only managed 13 Premier League goals so far this season. His goal tally has not been this low since his debut in 2013/14. Maybe his heart is not in it with Spurs following his attempt to exit last summer. Chelsea can offer him Champions League football and a manager who could get the absolute most out of the England captain.
Inter Milan return in Bastoni swap deal
Lukaku left a bitter taste in the mouths of some Inter Milan. His abrupt departure built up serious uncertainty for the Serie A champions. His lethal partnership with Lautaro Martinez was missed.
Unfortunately, I highly doubt that Inter would be willing to take a shot at a Lukaku return. They are more than happy with his replacement Edin Dzeko.
CEO of Inter Milan, Giuseppe Marotta told Corriere della Sera: "Lukaku was sold for €115million (£97.5million) and we bought Dzeko for nothing, and on the pitch, there isn’t much difference."
Despite Dzeko's input in the team, surely he knows that Lukaku's impact would have the team on another level. The squad functioned extraordinarily with him. So for that reason, they should take back Lukaku, for probably a discounted price, and they can throw in Alessandro Bastoni.
Bastoni is a sensational ball-playing centre-back that could be a more than adequate replacement for Antonio Rudiger. Everybody wins.
Let Barcelona gamble
Barcelona could be ready to opt-in for plan C. They are in desperate need of a striker and are reportedly assessing their options with Lukaku. For £63million, he could either be a dream for the Catalans or become yet another mistake for a club. The Belgian is a great striker, we mustn't forget this. That is why Barcelona are said to be considering the move in the first place. He can be deadly in front of goal, but the build-up aspect is questionable in the Premier League.
He has proven that he can play counter-attacking football and can create in a two-up-top partnership. However, Barcelona's style of play is closer to Chelsea's than Conte's Inter Milan. Barcelona love to be in possession and string together several passes before going in on goal. Will the Belgian be able to keep up with this kind of intensity and patience in the build up? Or will he thrive in a slower league, given more space to create and take chances?
It'll be a gamble for Barcelona but a discount one considering the previous price tag on the Belgian.
