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Football London
Football London
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Jake Stokes

Romelu Lukaku can help Chelsea complete clever Reece James backup plan amid £59m transfer puzzle

Romelu Lukaku seems to be edging closer to an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea in the market for a new striker. Sky Italia claim that the Blues have given the green light to the 28-year-old's exit after a disappointing return to west London.

He has struggled to acclimatise to the Premier League upon his return, finding the net 17 times in 44 appearances this season. Lukaku's misfortune in front of goal has cast doubt over his future, though he has still been able to court the interest of several top-flight European clubs.

The Belgium international has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and, now, Tottenham. But, the Chelsea striker has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Italian giants ahead of a potential loan return to the Serie A this summer.

READ MORE: Todd Boehly Chelsea takeover agreement gives Thomas Tuchel La Liga transfer mission green light

football.london understand that the Belgian has asked his lawyer to check the possibility of a possible return to the San Siro, less than 12 months after making the move from Milan to London. If a loan deal is to be agreed, The Telegraph claim that it could cost Inter around £20m.

Though, alternatively due to the Italian side's financial shortcomings, Chelsea have enquired about a player-plus-cash swap deal. According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Blues have asked Inter to include right-back Denzel Dumfries in a transfer.

After Reece James endured an injury-plagued season, Thomas Tuchel could see the Netherlands international as a deputy to the Cobham graduate with so many games in the calendar. Nonetheless, football.london understand that Lukaku is to hold talks with Todd Boehly and the higher-ups ahead of making his final decision.

Whether or not these talks have happened or not seem to have had no impact on the striker who reportedly wants nothing to do with current boss Tuchel 'anymore', according to reports from Italy, via Sport Witness.

"I think if he plans to talk with the owner, maybe it is not his plan to talk with me. It's fair enough. Let's see if he gets a meeting! It is his right. We will talk to anybody," Tuchel said on the £59m-rated striker ahead of the FA Cup final. "We will evaluate any situation of any player, including Romelu. We will see what is going to happen and what the plans are."

In the meantime, it's believed that Gabriel Jesus has courted the interest of Chelsea, who are said to have joined the race amid Lukaku's uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. German journalist Christian Falk has reported that the Blues boss is excited by the prospect of working with the Brazilian, who has quickly become one of Europe's coveted players this summer.

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