Senior Chelsea players have reportedly urged the club to complete the signing of Everton striker Richarlison this summer as they look to replace Romelu Lukaku, who is set to return to Inter Milan in the coming days.
The Belgian was brought back to Stamford Bridge less than a year ago for a club-record £97.5million but poor performances on the field coupled with divisive actions off it resulted in rumours of a quick getaway. Inter are now expected to announce the loan signing of Lukaku imminently with a fee of €8million (£6.9million) paid to Chelsea.
It means that Thomas Tuchel, as well as outgoing director of football Marina Granovskaia and new chairman Todd Boehly, are on the hunt for a new frontman. A number of names have been linked with Stamford Bridge from both the Premier League and across Europe, including Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.
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But it is domestically where the strongest links are emerging at present. Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has been targeted as has Everton's Richarlison.
Support has emerged for the latter deal from within the Chelsea camp as well, according to a report from The Sun. They state that the Brazilian's aggression and tenacity are appealing to those already a part of the first-team who want to see Boehly and co. complete a move for him this summer.
Chelsea are not the only club interested in Richarlison's signature, however. London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are both also considering moves for the forward who scored 11 goals last season and is valued at £60million by CIES Observatory.
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