Romelu Lukaku faces an uncertain future at Chelsea amid growing interest from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports. The 28-year-old striker has struggled to acclimatise to life in the Premier League since returning to west London in the summer from Inter Milan.
Transfer insider Dean Jones has reported that the French outfit is set to hold further discussions over the prospect of signing the Belgium international. Lukaku, who joined the Blues for a record-breaking £97.5 million, has become one of many players that have struggled to warrant their eye-watering price tags.
The Belgian has scored just 12 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season. Lukaku's misfortune has seen his market value plummet by £13.5m, opening a discourse among Chelsea fans regarding the distribution of spending on transfers.
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Despite the west London side's riches, the club has enjoyed far more success in recent years, completing shrewd transfers as opposed to extortionate ones. Since Chelsea first tasted Champions League glory in 2012, the Blues have signed the likes of Edouard Mendy, Nemanja Matic and Cesar Azpilicueta for no more than £22m apiece.
The club has also spent approximately £167m on just Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alvaro Morata and Danny Drinkwater, so let's look at how the Blues could devise a windfall acutely from the potential sale of Lukaku, who is currently valued at £76.5m by Transfermarkt.
Raphinha - £25m
According to Fabrizio Romano, there is a release clause in Raphinha's contract that is dependent on where Leeds United finished this season. If Leeds stays in the Premier League, then the release clause is worth £75m, but if the side is relegated to the Championship, it is decreased to £25m.
It has led to sides waiting until the end of the season before making a move, with the ability to sign him for cheaper if the Whites drop into the second tier. This is a deal that Chelsea can not afford to miss out on if Leeds are relegated.
Tino Livramento - £25m
Chelsea included a buy-back clause in the deal, which saw Tino Livramento leave for Southampton in the summer, according to the Athletic. In August, the Sun's Tom Barclay revealed that said clause is worth upwards of £25million, though there has been no confirmation regarding whether there's an expiry date.
Livramento has been a favourite of Ralph Hassenhutl's this season, starting whenever he has been fit and providing a goal and two assists in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has more than warranted a return to west London in the summer and it's certainly a deal that the fans have been rooting for.
Renato Sanches - £17m
Renato Sanches was heavily linked with a move to London rivals Arsenal in the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise. Italian outlet Calcio Mercato has reported that the 24-year-old midfielder and AC Milan have a 'definitive understanding' of a deal.
The Blues haven't been linked with the Portugal international, so it would mean that Chelsea would have to hijack the Rossoneri's deal. But for just £17m, as quoted by the report, it'd be an interesting deal that could blossom into something special.
