Antonio Conte has told the Chelsea board to splash the cash on Romelu Lukaku and sign him at any cost. Could a £100 million deal be on the cards?
With July 1st coming and going and only a Willy Caballero in sight, Chelsea fans are beginning to wonder where the new players will come from. The Blues have been consistently linked with a number of players over the past year, but none have actually signed. Romelu Lukaku has been one of these serial targets, but the latest reports suggest increased urgency.
According to The Telegraph, Antonio Conte has ordered the board to do whatever it takes to sign the Belgian forward.
"Antonio Conte has told Chelsea that they must re-sign Romelu Lukaku at any price this summer – even if it means meeting Everton’s £100million valuation…Chelsea head coach Conte is desperate to land Lukaku and is confident the 24-year-old can live up to any price tag."
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
The Blues are in the market for a star striker after the boss told Diego Costa that he is not in his plans. Names such as Alvaro Morata have been linked with a move, but Lukaku has been the prime candidate.
However, little has developed in any material way. There has been rumour after rumour, but at the moment the deal seems far from being closed. This latest story only lends credence to this, as the two clubs are yet to negotiate a transfer fee.
Lukaku has also been linked with Manchester United as Jose Mourinho looks to add to his already star-studded squad. Reports suggest that the Belgian would prefer a return to Stamford Bridge, though, having left in disappointing circumstances.
The striker’s decision to initially leave Chelsea has proven to be a wise one. Lukaku has scored 51 goals in the last two seasons, establishing himself as one of the finer forwards in Europe.
Now, he wants to join a club with Champions League football and challenge himself further. Conte’s Chelsea offers Lukaku an opportunity to be the main man in a team fighting for four pieces of silverware.
Next: Juventus fighting to keep Chelsea target Alex Sandro
Most Blues fans want to see the former Didier Drogba understudy back in West London. Conte seemingly desperately wants to see it as well. Keep your eyes peeled for some more significant developments in the coming days.