Report: Chelsea already prepared to sell signing made under Tuchel, he could leave next summer

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Chelsea are already reportedly ready to sell Romelu Lukaku next summer.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues will look to cash in on their club-record signing at the end of the season, having offloaded him on-loan to Inter Milan for the current term.

Lukaku on a downwards spiral

Lukaku’s lucrative return to Stamford Bridge last August was not the fairy-tale many expected.

Despite a decent start to life in South West London again, the Belgium international tailed off quite dramatically.

Many varying factors contributed to the striker’s downfall, including injuries and a dramatic interview with Italian media that sent fans and rivals alike into a frenzy.

He also never quite seemed a suitable fit for Thomas Tuchel’s tactics or style of play, leading many to question the pair’s long-term future together.

Those doubts were eventually answered ahead of the 2022/23 adventure, as Chelsea allowed Lukaku to re-sign for Inter on loan.

The 29-year-old’s struggles continued despite his changed surroundings, with regular trips to the treatment table a big concern.

This is not only a worry for his domestic form, but also because the World Cup is less than a month away.

The World Cup looms for Lukaku

Belgium have relied heavily on Lukaku at the past few major tournaments and to be without him would be a huge blow, regardless of his present state of affairs.

A strong showing in Qatar could provide the Inter forward with the springboard to review his crumbled career, whilst simultaneously benefiting Chelsea.

The Evening Standard claim the Blues hope to see their loanee shine at the World Cup to hopefully increase his transfer value and recoup some of the £97.5m they spent on him.

Although this is a big ask, players often pull it out of the bag when the world is watching.