Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is now considering different types of replacements for Romelu Lukaku who is close to returning to Inter Milan on loan this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The talks between Inter Milan and Chelsea over a potential loan deal for Lukaku have now reached the final stages, per Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian expert claims that the two clubs agreed on €10million (£8.6m) loan fees plus add-ons, with Inter waiting for “the green light” from their owners to seal the deal.
Lukaku’s expected departure means Chelsea would have to shift their attention to finding a replacement.
The Telegraph claims that the people at Chelsea are aware that they are unlikely to replace the Belgium international with another elite out-and-out number nine after missing out on Erling Haaland as well as Robert Lewandowski’s preferring a move to Barcelona.
Tuchel has proved that he could work with false-nines, such as Kai Havertz, but Chelsea would still need a player who can reliably produce goals and assists.
This, the report added, is why Raheem Sterling, who registered 13 goals and five assists in the Premier League (17 goals and nine assists in all competitions) for Manchester City last season, is such an attractive option for Chelsea.
Chelsea and Manchester City seem to be still far apart on the valuation of the winger, but given Sterling’s having just one year in his contract, finding common ground is certainly far from impossible.
Interestingly, the report also mentioned that Tuchel may have asked Chelsea to sign two attacking players this summer.
Chelsea would likely have to sell one of their other attackers to make space for a second attacking signing, which could also prove difficult.
A report from Goal claims that Chelsea are open to selling both Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, but no imminent moves are expected at the moment.
If Chelsea are to sign another attacker, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele is reportedly one of the candidates in Tuchel’s shortlist.
Tuchel is said to be an admirer of the France international, having worked together with the player at Borussia Dortmund.
Dembele could be available on a free transfer, but his injury record is also a cause for concern.
The Telegraph further added that RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku is also on Chelsea’s attacking target as well as the potentially most expensive option on the list.
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