Chelsea won the Champions League less than two weeks ago, but it has since felt like an eternity with all of the news flying around the football world. Silly season begins on Wednesday and the following 12 weeks are sure to be hectic. The rescheduled 2020 Euros are likely to slow things down in the transfer market, that doesn’t stop rumors though. The Blues—despite winning club football’s biggest prize—have some needs they must address in the offseason. Top of their list is an established, natural No. 9.
Frank Lampard went after Timo Werner last summer in hopes the German would help cure his side’s finishing woes, but Werner’s been deployed mainly as a winger. Therefore, he’s not scored as often as he did in the Bundesliga. Now, the newly extended Thomas Tuchel is in search of a striker as Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud look like they’re on the brink of departing west London. The Blues have been linked to many forwards over the last few months, but it seems as if it’s now down to two targets: Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku.
The rumors surrounding a possible Haaland to Chelsea move have ramped up recently as Dortmund names its price. However, as I stated two months ago, the Champions of Europe need to stay away from the dog and pony show that is Haaland’s transfer saga. There are plenty of warning signs. The first—and perhaps the most concerning—red flag is Mino Raiola. All unnecessary drama and hoops to jump through aside, the agent fee alone is enough to make any club lose interest. This brings us into the next point: financials.
Haaland’s potential transfer to Chelsea would destroy the Blues’ wage structure. Part of the reason Roman Abramovich’s club was allowed to splash the cash last summer is because it’s managed its money incredibly well over the time the Russian has been in charge. This would be thrown out the window if Haaland came to Chelsea, the English club would begin to mirror the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in terms of insane wage bills. Lastly, there is the prospect of Haaland not choosing the Blues. If Chelsea spends the entire summer hunting the Norwegian and he opts to move to Manchester City or stay at Dortmund, Marina Granovskaia is left scrambling.
For all of these reasons, the Blues need to continue their pursuit of Lukaku. The move makes too much sense not to make. Chelsea cannot be put off by a series of public comments from the Belgian. Money talks, especially to an individual who still believes he has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge. Lukaku and his new agent—who attended the UCL final in Porto—may be presented with their last chance to move to Chelsea this summer.
Lukaku’s relationship with Antonio Conte is no longer a factor in deciding whether or not the No. 9 stays in Italy. He’s stated publicly that he’d like to stay, but a move for Lukaku is much more practical and likely than one for Haaland. Lukaku is perfect for the Blues and vice versa. If Tuchel wants to defend his Champions League title, he and the board need to continue their pursuit of the Belgian until the window slams shut on August 31.
Which striker do you think the Blues should pursue this summer? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!