Petr Cech has hinted that Romelu Lukaku could still play his football at Chelsea next season despite his desire to leave the club this summer. football.london understands that the Belgian is desperate to leave the Blues over the coming months after a frustrating first season back in England.
Lukaku, who is currently without an agent, recently advised his lawyer to sound out a possible return to Inter Milan, less than 12 months after moving from the San Siro to Stamford Bridge. The decision comes after the £97.5million signing scored 15 goals (in all competitions) in his first season since returning to England.
Ever since his damning interview towards the back-end of last year, there has been mass speculation surrounding Lukaku's future at Stamford Bridge. However, Thomas Tuchel quickly assured Lukaku of his importance to the Chelsea team when asked about the striker back in April.
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"At this moment, we don't need to think about it [Lukaku leaving]," Tuchel said. "These are the players we have, and Romelu still plays a big part in our plans.
"Not the part maybe he wants to play, and I totally understand that, but he used his time to disconnect a little bit, had one week of a holiday, and then he was back with us. I feel him very motivated, very strong in training, very much involved when we do the games."
Tuchel's comments were proven to be true, with Lukaku scoring three goals in his final three Premier League appearances of the 2021/22 season. It would almost come as a surprise if the 29-year-old was to be a Chelsea player by the time next season rolls around, but Cech is adamant we will see a different player in Lukaku next term.
"I personally believe he will have a great season because last season we seen how strong he can be at the beginning when he came," Cech said to Sky Sports News. "Unfortunately long-term injury he sustained against Villa slowed everything down, and then he had COVID as well.
"We could see towards the end of the season when he was fit and ready to go again how strong he is. We had a particular season as a team around Christmas with COVID issues, he was one of those players affected, too I have full confidence he will bounce back and have a strong season."
Chelsea have made contact with Gabriel Jesus' agent in recent days, football.london understands. However, the Blues will not be able to make a move for the Manchester City and Brazil attacker until/if Lukaku leaves the club.
Jesus has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with the newly-crowned Premier League champions and could leave the club this summer as he looks for regular first-team football. Arsenal and Tottenham also hold an interest in the Brazil international, though.
