Chelsea’s best move may be to pass on Romelu Lukaku to avoid overpaying
One of Chelsea’s most long-term and important targets, Romelu Lukaku, may be just out of reach. Rather than making fools of themselves Chelsea may be best served by passing on Lukaku in favor of another player (or two).
Chelsea, despite their lack of movement so far, are primed for a relatively busy summer transfer window.
Romelu Lukaku has been on Chelsea’s radar for years. His original purchase from Anderlecht was followed by a couple years on loan. In that time he turned into one of the best and most consistent strikers in the Premier League.
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Unfortunately Chelsea never made the most of Lukaku while they had him. They sold him to Everton for what was – at the time – a relatively large £28 million. Considering Chelsea had bought him for £18 million only a couple years earlier, this was not a massive profit. But it seemed the Belgian had no future at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
Sadly, in his haste to make his authority all-encompassing, Jose Mourinho pushed Lukaku out the door too early. Lukaku has become a truly world class striker. That is beyond argument.
What is up for debate it whether Chelsea would be better served signing a couple of strikers who are on the market, as opposed to trying to convince Everton to part with the most important player they possess against their wishes.
Everton are looking for over £100 million for Romelu Lukaku. Let’s be clear on this: Romelu Lukaku is not worth that much money.
Chelsea cannot allow themselves to lose perspective. Do Chelsea need a striker? Yes. Was the early alienation of Diego Costa a mistake? Yes. Does it make Chelsea appear rather desperate? Yes. But is the only striker in the world that could fill that void Romelu Lukaku? No.
Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang is rumored to be available for £61 million. The Gabon international is as dangerous a striker as any in Europe. He could add pace, presence and technique to the Chelsea front line.
Robert Lewandowski is also available from Bayern Munich and would cost similar money to Lukaku. Lewandowski, like Aubamayang, scored more goals than Lukaku last season. Chelsea could acquire the pair for fees totaling not much higher than what Everton are demanding for Lukaku.
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Chelsea cannot allow their desperation to blind them. There are other players on the market. Allowing Everton to take advantage of them because of their self-induced bind is not an acceptable course of action. Chelsea have options and they should exercise them.