As the days pass, it seems inevitable that a resolution over Romelu Lukaku will have to be found. Maybe there was some hope that with a few good performances towards the end of an awkward season and the reality of his £97.5million price tag making any exit unlikely, the chances of him staying seemed pretty high.
At this early stage of the window, it is appropriate to consider the possibility of that still happening, given the ludicrous numbers being touted for a potential loan back to Inter.
However, with many reports indicating the striker's unhappiness and Chelsea supporters having little ambition to see him remain, Todd Boehly and Thomas Tuchel will probably save themselves a lot of headaches next season if Lukaku's exit can be sorted.
READ MORE: How Thomas Tuchel will rebuild Chelsea squad this summer without blowing £200m transfer budget
Should that happen, the attention will quickly turn to replacements and how the club can improve the attack in what is already a challenging summer with lots to do. Obvious names like Robert Lewandowski, Christopher Nkunku and Darwin Nunez have already been linked to Stamford Bridge, but does this situation require a different approach?
Would Chelsea just be falling into the same trap by spending a large amount on a "goalscorer" when other parts of Tuchel's attack need greater attention?
We assembled our tea of Chelsea writers Adam Newson, Scott Trotter, Bobby Vincent and Daniel Childs to give their thoughts on how Chelsea should replace Lukaku this summer.
Adam Newson
Lukaku was meant to be the answer to Chelsea's lack of clinical edge in the final third – and it's often overlooked that he did finish top scorer last season with 15 goals in all competitions. But there is no doubt he fell below what was expected of him both on and off the pitch.
His relationship with the majority of Chelsea supporters appears beyond repair; the interview he did with Sky Italia in December certainly did him no favours. It's clear too he wants to head back to Italy this summer and rejoin Inter Milan. That is a problem the Blues must solve.
As to what comes next, that is truly difficult to answer. Armando Broja certainly deserves a pre-season to impress – if that's what he wants, given the interest in his services – but I'm not entirely sure he is quite ready for the responsibility that comes with being a Chelsea striker.
And given the Blues' recent record of signing forwards, I'm not sure delving into the transfer market would solve the problem, although Christopher Nkunku is an intriguing option given his 2021/22 campaign at RB Leipzig and versatility.
If it were me, I think I'd back Kai Havertz to step up again next season and look to fill the creative void that became apparent during the period in which Ben Chilwell and Reece James were out. There is no point having a forward if chances aren't being created, after all.
Scott Trotter
The prospect of Romelu Lukaku departing Chelsea not even a year after his mega-money move is a frustrating one. Not just because of the transfer failure but because it is another matter that can distract from where Chelsea need to be busy in the transfer market - predominantly in defence and midfield.
Kai Havertz, while not enjoying an outstanding season, showed a player of his profile is more suited to a forward role, so perhaps attention might be better served to finding a player who can play in a variety of the forward positions. Christopher Nkunku would prove a tempting option, but the latest reports of Gabriel Jesus could be particularly persuasive for me if the price is right. That may leave some room for the likes of Armando Broja to develop if he is not convinced by another loan.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Leave a comment to give us your thoughts on the Lukaku conundrum
Bobby Vincent
I think Nkunku makes the most sense in this argument. Plenty of people on social media are reluctant to spend big on the 2021/22 Bundesliga Player of the Season because of past purchases from the German league (see Timo Werner), but that argument is nonsense.
The Frenchman can play anywhere in the front three, with his best position perhaps cutting in on his right foot from the left-hand side. However, he spent the majority of last term as the number nine for Leipzig and flourished when doing so.
If Chelsea can add Nkunku and Ousmane Dembele, then this, in my opinion, would be an upgrade on Lukaku and the options Tuchel already has.
Daniel Childs
I would be looking to invest elsewhere to improve Chelsea's creativity, which is a bigger issue and cannot be resolved with another focal point. There also is an issue that with Tuchel's current setup, investing on another forward the Blues will not adapt to or play to their strengths will just prove pointless.
I'd like to see Armando Broja promoted and given a chance in pre-season. I would be looking to focus on the integration of Conor Gallagher into the first team, with attention turning to Ousmane Dembele or a creative wide player who can make a difference.
What are your thoughts on the Romelu Lukaku situation? Let us know in the comments below!
