Romelu Lukaku has issued a strong reply to his agent's claim that the Chelsea forward has a "problem" at Stamford Bridge.
Federico Pastorello said in an interview in his native Italy that Lukaku's "situation must be carefully evaluated" in the summer amid reports speculating he could return to Inter Milan. But Lukaku has now issued a strongly-worded statement hitting out at his agent's claims.
It comes as Timo Werner has admitted he nearly signed for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final. And Thomas Tuchel finally met with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly after the American won the race to purchase the club.
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Lukaku hits back at agent claims
Romelu Lukaku insists he is "focused on helping the team" after his agent hinted he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
Federico Pastorello said it's "obvious that there was a problem" with Lukaku at Chelsea this season. He also hinted the Belgium international could be ready to speak to Inter and AC Milan about a return to Italy this summer.
But Lukaku has now hit back, insisting "never, ever will I let someone speak for me" and that he just wants to "end the season in the best way as possible".
Werner makes Liverpool admission
Chelsea forward Timo Werner says he came close to signing for Liverpool – twice.
The German arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2020 in a £53m move from RB Leipzig. But he had been widely tipped to move to Jurgen Klopp's side before sealing his transfer to west London.
And Werner has now admitted Liverpool "were also in my thoughts and were a big possibility for me" ahead of his arrival at Chelsea – and he doesn't regret his decision in turning down Klopp's advances.
Tuchel meet Boehly
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel enjoyed lunch with Todd Boehly as the pair met for the first time following the Blues' takeover saga.
Boehly will become Chelsea’s controlling owner when the US magnate’s consortium completes the £4.25billion Stamford Bridge club purchase from Roman Abramovich. The American's fellow LA Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss will assume more supportive roles in the new Chelsea ownership structure.
It's sure to have been an interesting meeting between Boehly and Tuchel, with plenty on the Chelsea boss' agenda during the discussions. The coach will want to iron out Romelu Lukaku's situation, speak about transfer targets and hopefully resolve some expiring contracts.
