Chelsea striker transfer talk: Lewandowski, Lukaku, Broja

Currently every senior Chelsea striker is linked elsewhere with the transfer window pending. And no definite information has emerged as of yet on new signings. Therefore PoL will now ponder who CFC’s main striker will be next season. At this rate, or if rumours from decent sources are true, it would seem no striker will even be on Fulham Road next season. Well, possibly Michy Batshuayi. Incidentally, I can confirm that Batshuayi is still a Blues player. The latest speculation surrounding the Belgian international is that Chels’ shall allow him to leave this summer to obtain a fee before his contract expires in 2023. According to a report, Leeds United and Everton fancy giving the 28-year-old another chance in England.

Over the course of his years at Stamford Bridge, “Batsman” has spent rather a lot of time away from West London. All in all, he’s participated in five loan moves: Crystal Palace on two occasions, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and most recently Besiktas. On the fringe of proceedings is Armando Broja. After a very successful campaign – especially over the middle part or so while temporarily with Southampton – which amounted to credible talent-proving, Broja is announced on the Premier League stage. The greatest domestic platform on the planet.

Chelsea still want to sign Robert Lewandowski and offload Romelu Lukaku

Interestingly, the Albanian is first and foremost a goalscorer, yet due to his intensely fast feet and nimble mind, I see him becoming more of an all-round facilitator. Think Harry Kane’s later evolution. For example concerning my theory, when featuring for his nation the former assisted twice in seven competitive World Cup qualifiers and scored three times.

However, Broja is extremely unlikely to be given the task of leading man at CFC for 2022/23, as I see the situation. Before that prospective mantle or honour arises, the Albania national team representative must demonstrate his skill set at the Bridge. And this status will likely start as understudy.

But who is the man sitting above the seriously promising 20-year-old as main Blues striker? That is if Broja remains with Chelsea: he is connected with switches to multiple sides. Apparently West Ham United, Newcastle United, the Toffees and Napoli are plotting potential swoops for the forward who has one appearance for Chels’. Additionally, Inter Milan have also shown interest; though Romelu Lukaku endures as the Italian outfit’s primary target. Thomas Tuchel will make a decision on Broja following a preseason assessment.

With regard to Lukaku, a lot of possibly revealing hearsay has transpired. Including the claim that since Christmas the attacker has been in constant contact with “directors, the coach, the President and former teammates” in an attempt to secure a return to Italy. Now, I don’t want to deplore the Belgian’s character, but if this declaration is in fact true – it came from in the know journalist Gianluca Di Marzio – then Chelsea are better off without the player. Maybe even without Di Marzio’s assertion.

Lukaku is said to desire an Inter comeback, with CFC “open” to loan salary sharing options. Although, releasing the Antwerp-born athlete may cause further harm as coveted replacement Robert Lewandowski has his heart set on a transfer to Barcelona, suggests Fabrizio Romano. I cannot see Tuchel prioritising Kai Havertz as a false-nine generally; nor is Timo Werner arguably suited to an out-and-out role up front.