Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has reportedly stumbled into a number of considerable hurdles as he attempts to secure some much-needed summer business.
The Blues are now able to complete transfers in the current window with American businessman Todd Boehly having signed-off his takeover from previous owner Roman Abramovich. Tuchel will certainly be keen to welcome new faces to Stamford Bridge throughout the remainder of the window following an inconsistent season in west London last term.
Despite having claimed the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies, a Premier League title challenge never really materialised whilst they were also eliminated at the quarter-final stage in the Champions League - with eventual champions Real Madrid stealing their crown.
Whilst the Blues are keen on bolstering their squad, there are also a number of problems. According to ESPN, there could be an alteration at striker with record signing Romelu Lukaku continuing to be linked with a return to Inter Milan.
Talks have been held but an agreement seems to be some way off with the Blues intent on recouping the majority of their £97m outlay - a fee that the Italian giants can simply not afford. Inter would prefer to welcome Lukaku back to the San Siro on-loan but Chelsea ’s demands of a loan fee in the region of €20m-€25m (£17.1m-£21.4m) still make any deal unfeasible.
Whilst it is suggested that the Blues would be flexible on their demands, it remains to be seen whether an agreement will be reached. Should Lukaku be granted his move back to Italy, then it appears that Tuchel already has plans in place for his successor.
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As per reports, the German has long been an admirer of Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski. Tuchel has apparently told Chelsea to enter the running for the Pole although face considerable competition from Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
There are other options that have been considered including Erling Haaland before his move to Manchester City. Gabriel Jesus and Christopher Nkunku have also been added to the Blues’ shortlist however the former’s preference for a switch to Arsenal and the latter’s huge price-tag could likely put the pair out of reach.
Whilst there are questions over the striker position at Stamford Bridge, the Blues’ chase of a centre-back could also face questions this summer. Sevilla star Jules Kounde has emerged as a prime target for Chelsea but Barcelona’s interest - as well as the fact that he has undergone surgery for a knee issue - could complicate matters.
The Blues have of course already seen their top six rivals make significant moves in the transfer market - Tottenham being the latest to add to their squad with the acquisition of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma.
