Petr Cech has backed Romelu Lukaku to hit the heights expected of him in his second season at Chelsea despite reports suggesting the forward is heading for the exit door.
Lukaku returned to the Blues in a club-record £97.5m deal last summer from Inter Milan after two impressive years in Serie A. The Belgian had previously proven his credentials in the Premier League with Everton and Manchester United and was tipped to be the prolific forward the club needed.
It didn't materialise however and he scored just eight times in the league. Chelsea could now be prepared to cut their losses, especially with the striker seemingly wanting out. Lukaku gave an interview midway through the campaign in which he talked up a return to Inter, before later apologising.
A return to the San Siro does appear to be his target, with reports emanating out of Stamford Bridge that the Blues are open for business. However, Cech, who is now the club's Technical and Performance Advisor, has hinted at a prolonged stay for Lukaku, who he has backed to find his best form.
He told Sky Sports: "I personally believe he will have a great season. Last season we saw how strong he can be in the beginning when he came. Unfortunately the long-term injury he sustained in the game with Aston Villa slowed everything down and then he had Covid.
"We could see towards the end of the season when he was fit and ready to go how strong he is. We had a particular season as a team, around Christmas with Covid, and he was one of those affect. I have full confidence he will bounce back and have a strong season."
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Lukaku won the Italian title with Inter and scored 64 times in his two years with them. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wasn't shy in publicly criticising his forward and willingly left him out of starting XIs, leaving the Belgian to watch on from the bench as the club finished without a trophy last term.
Inter are in a difficult financial situation however which could hamper their ambitions. The Blues will not want to accept huge losses on the player, who is prepared to take pay cut if he does secure a return to Inter. A £20m loan fee is proving problematic for the Italians though.
Lukaku said back in December: "I have always said that I have Inter in my heart: I know I will return to Inter, I really hope so. I am in love with Italy, this is right moment to talk and let people know what really happened. I really hope from bottom of my heart to return to Inter not at the end of my career, but when I’m still at top level to win more together."
