Real Madrid could solve Chelsea's Lukaku problem

Stuart Telford

• 17 Mar 2023 19:33 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in bringing Romelu Lukaku in to support Karim Benzema - music to the ears of many a Chelsea fan!

Chelsea have a conundrum with Lukaku. The Belgian has bombed since his €115 million return to the club last summer, and Inter Milan are reluctant to make his loan back to them permanent after a disappointing second spell in Italy.

Lukaku has only managed three goals in 14 Serie A appearances this term as he has struggled with his weight and match fitness, and there is little chance Inter would fork out even half of what Chelsea paid for him.

READ: From Osimhen to Lukaku: ranking Chelsea's striker options this summer

But while Inter are well-stocked in the striker department with Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko also on their books, Real Madrid have become increasingly dependent on a now 35-year-old Benzema.

With Brazilian prodigy Endrick not arriving from Palmeiras until the summer of 2024 when he turns 18, there is a gap in their squad, one they might be willing to fill with Lukaku.

Lukaku negotiation 'shouldn't be too complicated'

"Real are seriously considering him to accompany Karim Benzema at the tip of Carlo Ancelotti's attack," write Spanish transfer outlet Fichajes. "The Italian is the main supporter of the move for a player who has been on Madrid's radar for some time.

READ: Watch out Mbappe! PSG man not Real Madrid's only Benzema alternative

"With Chelsea wanting to get rid of Lukaku, the negotiations shouldn't be too complicated for Real Madrid's interests."

Lukaku is now rated at €47.9m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, but Real could potentially drive his asking price down further with Chelsea so keen to sell players next summer.

The Blues need to fine-tune their squad after spending more than €600m across two transfer windows under Todd Boehly, while the sale of Lukaku, even for a fraction of what they paid for him, would help balance their books with FFP lurking.