Victor Osimhen and other four-man on Todd Boehly shortlist to replace Lukaku at Chelsea
Todd Boehly has built up a shortlist of five players to replace Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea this summer, according to sources.
Following a terrible season in which he scored just 15 goals in 44 appearances, Lukaku made it clear that he wanted to return to Inter Milan on loan on Tuesday.
Boehly, the new owner of the Blues, was initially hesitant to let the £97.5 million striker leave, but Thomas Tuchel persuaded him that it was the wisest course of action for everyone involved.
Lukaku’s “compensation and performance bonuses have also been accepted,” and Inter “will pay a fee of €8m plus add-ons.”
The 29-year-old will undergo his medical next week, the story continues. There is “no choice or obligation to buy” in this transaction.
Five strikers are reportedly “in consideration” at the club, according to the Daily Mail, and Boehly’s goal is to replace Lukaku.
Following the departure of director Marina Granovskaia, Boehly is now collaborating with Thomas Tuchel on transfers at Chelsea.
Richarlison, an Everton star, has surfaced as a target for the Blues, along with Tottenham and Arsenal. According to sources, the Toffees are open to hearing offers above £50 million.
Robert Lewandowski is another player they are reported to be intrigued on, though the wantaway Bayern Munich striker has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.
The article states the other strikers being considered are Lille’s Jonathan David, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca, with Arsenal also linked with the trio.
But it’s said that there are ‘concerns over each player’s price and their appropriateness in Tuchel’s preferred 3-4-3 formation’.
Following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Chelsea are in dire need of defensive reinforcements in addition to a new striker.
While Milan Skriniar, Josko Gvardiol, and Pau Torres are also rumored to be on their radar, Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is still their primary target and his representatives are reportedly growing impatient.