Should Chelsea move for Romelu Lukaku following Everton rejection?

With Romelu Lukaku stating that he will not sign a new Everton contract, should Chelsea move for the man they once sold?

In what is unsurprising news to all but the Everton fans with fingers shoved firmly into their ears, Romelu Lukaku has informed Everton that he will not sign a new contract.

Lukaku, being more ambitious than a platform such as Everton can give him, was never going to stay at the club long term. Even after he had arrived at Everton from Chelsea, rumors had already begun that he would be moving on shortly.

Last summer it seemed all but certain that he would make a move, but nothing materialized. The season began, Lukaku put his head down, and his agent proudly proclaimed that he was 99.9% sure Lukaku would extend his contract beyond the two remaining years he already had.

But Lukaku, who has never been quiet about his ambition, has made it clear that he wants to play in the Champions League. And though Everton made a strong start under Ronald Koeman, they dipped enough to put themselves out of a challenge for the Champions League spots. They may yet qualify for the Europa League, but that is apparently not enough for Lukaku.

The Belgian, who was offered a contract that would make him Everton’s highest paid player, has now passed the decision to others. Now it is up to Everton to decide to sell while the price is high or get what they can out of Lukaku for two years. For clubs willing to buy, they must decide just how much Lukaku is worth.

One of the clubs willing to buy is Chelsea, who made inquiries last summer but stopped short of a bid. No other club has been so consistently and strongly linked to Lukaku, and it appears that their interest is a major factor in Lukaku trying to move on from the Toffees.

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The move would make some degree of sense for all involved. Chelsea are one of the few clubs that can pay the transfer fee that Everton will demand. Everton could then use the transfer fee to strengthen their squad in preparation for a possible Europa League challenge.

Furthermore, there is a hint of unfinished business for Lukaku. He was touted as “The New Drogba” before Chelsea purchased Diego Costa and Lukaku asked to move to Everton. A return to Chelsea appears to be Lukaku’s preference, and he would almost immediately have a starting role.

As for the Blues, a striker will be on the wish list if Diego Costa leaves, and the Blues would be hard pressed to find a striker who is young and already immensely talented.

The Belgian would be the best Premier League-proven player available to Chelsea this summer. Lukaku has already set several records while in the top flight and has finished every season with high scoring numbers. There have been questions about his work rate and link up play, but the statistics speak for themselves.

Lukaku will be just 24 when the summer transfer window opens and has been performing at a high level while improving for years. The move would fit the needs of all parties, but as one saga ends another begins. It is clear that Lukaku will not renew his contract, but now the new question is how soon does he move along.

Stats from WhoScored.