Transfer News: Manchester City join Chelsea in race for Inter Milan hitman Romelu Lukaku
A report by Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t ESPN) states that Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea transfer target Romelu Lukaku in the summer.
Earlier it was reported that Chelsea are lining up a £90million bid for the Belgian striker. But it now seems that they will have to fend off competition from Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola wants a replacement for the outgoing Sergio Aguero, who will leave in the summer after his contract expires. And three names on his transfer list are Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Romelu Lukaku. (h/t ESPN)
The 27-year-old Lukaku has 27 goals this season for Inter and City would believe that they are bringing in a quality striker in place of another quality striker in Aguero. He also has ample experience in England during his time with Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton, and West Bromwich Albion.
Battle for Lukaku
The report says that Lukaku would be the easier option for Guardiola but also mentions that the player himself wants to stay in Italy and with Inter to continue building his legacy in Serie A.
Chelsea already have Timo Werner, Olivier Giroud, and Tammy Abraham on their books. But the Englishman seems to get next to no game time under Tuchel while Werner’s scoring rate continues to be underwhelming.
As for Giroud, he will be 35 by the end of this year and his future at Stamford Bridge perpetually stays up in the air. In such a situation, signing a proven goal-scorer like Lukaku would benefit Thomas Tuchel.
The German seems to have the defensive side of his team perfected, and adding goals to this Blues team can take them from being contenders to champions.
More Chelsea News:
- Transfer News: Chelsea ready to bid £90m for Romelu Lukaku
- Transfer News: Chelsea could use Tammy Abraham to reduce Erling Haaland price
- Chelsea Transfer News: Fikayo Tomori holds talks with Paolo Maldini over permanent transfer
The report, however, mentions that Milan are unwilling to part with their star striker and Chelsea would not have a clear path if they were to formalize their interest in the Belgian international.