Chelsea may cut its losses and send Romelu Lukaku back to Italy

Chelsea has spent a boatload of money—sailboat size probably, not enough to completely cover any of Roman Abramovich’s mega yachts—trying to fill the void left by Diego Costa following his departure in 2017. The Blues have brought in big names like Alvaro Morata, Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner as they’ve attempted to find their next clinical No. 9. Yet, those attempts have all proven to be unsuccessful in one way or another. It seemed as if Chelsea had finally gotten its man when the club forked over £97.5 million last summer to bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club.

It was a reunion years in the making after the Belgian’s agents decided a move to Manchester United was in the player’s best interests back in 2017. Following his ascendence back to world class status with Inter Milan, it looked like the Blues struck gold (figuratively, they probably paid in gold to get him in the first place) this time around. If Chelsea fans have learned anything during their time supporting the club though, it’s that not everything is as it may seem. The Belgian is now being linked with a move back to Italy less than a year into his second stint in London.

Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku is being linked with a summer move to AC Milan

While Inter Milan may not be able to afford a reunion with its beloved striker, its noisy neighbors may be able to pull a fast one on it. AC Milan—whose strikers are currently a pair of dinosaurs in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Giroud—has shown an interest in saving Lukaku from his current situation. The soon-to-be 29-year-old has a proven track record in Serie A and he’s publicly stated that he yearns for a move back to the fashion capital of the world in the near future.

This transfer would be in the best interest of both clubs after struggles up top have plagued them throughout the campaign. The Rossoneri’s veteran strikers haven’t been able to stay healthy or keep up with the team’s high expectations of a title. Meanwhile, the Blues have also fallen out of the title race in the Premier League due to goalscoring troubles during the winter months.

Kai Havertz’s rapid rise to stardom as a suitable No. 9 under Thomas Tuchel has seen Lukaku relegated to the bench in west London. The situation has seemingly gone from bad to worse during that time as the club record signing is growing frustrated with his lack of minutes. He’s offered little-to-nothing off the bench as a substitute and he is constantly putting in useless starts on the off chance he gets an opportunity to play. Regardless, Lukaku was clinical enough during his time at the San Siro to convince AC Milan to potentially take a flyer on him this summer.

The move seems contingent upon ownership takeovers being completed at both clubs. For the Blues, the striker’s on-field return is not worth the headache for any new leader. Therefore, it is believed that Chelsea could cut its losses just one year later and cash in on Lukaku before he turns 30. The Rossoneri see value in bringing in a world class No. 9 that is in the midst of his prime. Lukaku could prove to be the difference between a Scudetto and a top four scrap for manager Stefano Pioli’s side. Such a hefty investment would require an influx of cash though, which only a new owner could provide.

Lukaku’s dream return to the English capital has quickly turned into a nightmare for both parties. An unimaginable scenario just eight months ago now seems a growing possibility as tensions continue to rise in the dressing room at Cobham. If the Blues can find a suitor willing to take the Belgian at a discounted price and show a willingness to admit to their mistakes, there is little standing in the way of a second divorce that’s assured to be even uglier than the first.

Do you think the Blues should ship Lukaku back to Italy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!