Romelu Lukaku moved to Chelsea during the 2021 summer transfer window and proved to be one of the club’s worst acquisitions in recent memory. Only a season after a disastrous return to Stamford Bridge laced with controversy on and off the pitch, Lukaku was loaned back out to Inter Milan.
As it stands, the Belgian striker will reportedly not be returning to Chelsea and the club are exploring a potential permanent sale. Although Inter Milan have remained in contention to keep Lukaku, an unlikely candidate has arisen with reasonably the best resolution for both parties.
Chelsea could consider Dusan Vlahovic-Romelu Lukaku swap deal
According to the latest article from Matt Law at the Telegraph, Juventus are reportedly interested in Romelu Lukaku as a potential replacement for Dusan Vlahovic. Vlahovic has been linked to a move out of Juventus this summer and the Bianconeri are already thinking ahead for his replacement. Law reports that Chelsea could “kill two birds with one stone” in a deal that sees Romelu Lukaku sold to Juventus and Dusan Vlahovic as Chelsea’s new No.9.
It’s clear that Lukaku will probably never wear a Chelsea shirt again. Yet, in terms of outgoings for the blues this summer, the Belgian striker’s might be among the more complicated exits to pull off. Chelsea are looking to recoup as much of the £97.5m they spent on him and although his departure will incur a substantial financial loss, the club can’t simply sell themselves too short for the sake of ending this saga.
The most ideal destination for Lukaku in terms of how much the blues could get in return financially was a move to Saudi Arabia. However, Lukaku’s interest is reportedly to remain in Europe. The club have also remained adamant that another loan deal to Inter Milan or any other club will not be entertained with a permanent deal being the priority.
If the reports of Juventus’ interest are true, Chelsea could negotiate a swap plus cash deal for Dusan Vlahovic in exchange for Lukaku. A deal of such could be beneficial for both parties. Juventus get a proven Serie A striker in return for Vlahovic, who was underwhelming last season and they should be open to sell him while he’s still valuable.
On the Chelsea side, Vlahovic would slot in directly as the blues new No.9. The club also rid themselves of a player on colossal wages and someone who obviously has no desire to play for Chelsea. All depends on the relative valuation of the teams for both players not only financially but also in terms of playing ability, as the two strikers are coming off disappointing seasons. Nevertheless, a solution must be found to Romelu Lukaku’s status as a Chelsea player before preseason.
Should CFC offload Romelu Lukaku and sign Dusan Vlahovic?