Inter Milan have just wrapped up their first league title since the 2009-10 season. They dominated Serie A with a mixture of trademark Antonio Conte defensive solidity and an explosive forward line, led by star Romelu Lukaku.
But the blue half of Milan has had a whirlwind 24 hours, with Conte now set to leave the club. Despite previously committing his future to Milan, a move could be on the cards for Lukaku, as Inter are looking to sell players worth 80 million euros because of their financial situation.
The question is; should that move be to Chelsea? Should the Blues actually make a bid for Lukaku?
What does Lukaku bring to the table?
The Belgian has scored 47 league goals in his time in Italy so far and has shown no signs of letting up. He’s well known for his powerful physical attributes, but people underestimate the improvements he’s shown on the technical side of his game.
This season, for example, he’s pitched in with 11 league assists. In a side set up to be defensively sound first and foremost, his numbers are staggering.
20+10 - Romelu Lukaku is the first player able to score 20+ goals and deliver 10+ assists in a single Serie A season since Opta started to collect this data (since 2004/05). Polyhedric.#CrotoneInter pic.twitter.com/n7KceOGd0X
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 1, 2021
But the Belgian isn’t just flourishing in Italy, he has Premier League pedigree too. Lukaku’s time at Manchester United is well documented, but it’s often forgotten that he excelled in loan spells at West Bromwich Albion too.
He’s actually bagged double digits in every season he’s ever made more than 30 appearances in.
Why do Chelsea need him?
It’s no secret that Chelsea have struggled in front of goal this season. Particularly in the last couple of games, they’ve wasted chance after chance and been punished for it. Their Premier League top scorer is Jorginho with seven, which says it all.
The Blues are in the market for a new striker, having been linked with the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. With Haaland now looking likely to stay at Dortmund this summer and Daniel Levy unwilling to sell to London rivals, Lukaku is the more realistic option.
Now that Conte has done his party trick, if #CFC do want to make a move for Lukaku, they definitely have a better chance now that their former boss is no longer working with the striker.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) May 26, 2021
It’s not just convenience that could persuade Lukaku to return to West London. He never achieved his goals at Stamford Bridge, managing just one Premier League start for them. He may feel he has unfinished business at the club.
This summer may also be the perfect time for Lukaku to bid farewell to the San Siro. He’s had two fantastic seasons at Inter and attributes a great deal of his success to Antonio Conte. With his Italian manager leaving, he may also seek a change.
Romelu Lukaku may well end up staying at Inter Milan, but if there’s even the slightest possible chance that he’s available, Chelsea should move heaven and earth to get the deal done.