Chelsea given a Lukaku way out by Milan interest
Cameron Smith
- 21 Apr 2022 22:15 BST
- 3 min read
Romelu Lukaku's second spell at Chelsea could be ended after just one year with interest from AC Milan providing an escape for the player.
The Belgian forward arrived back at Stamford Bridge with high expectations and a lofty price tag, but he was judged to be the perfect man to deliver the Premier League title back to the club.
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However, with just five goals in the division, less than Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Leicester's Ademola Lookman and Pablo Fornals of West Ham fame, Lukaku hasn't been the answer to Chelsea's prayers.
His infamous interview conducted with Sky Italia in which he detailed how he'd like to return to Inter Milan derailed a promising start to life back at Chelsea and he's now on a goal drought that's seen him fail to score a league goal in the calendar year of 2022.
But, Chelsea and Lukaku himself may have been handed a lifeline by transfer interest from AC Milan. As a former Inter player, Lukaku may be wary of making a move to the other side of the San Siro, but it would provide an escape door.
While Chelsea have fallen away from the top of the league and have recently dropped Lukaku due to his form, the player himself has also suffered due to his lack of game time and a damaged profile.
Although he was one of Europe's best forwards last year, Lukaku can no longer lay claim to that tag and a move away might be best for all parties.
How likely is a move to Milan?
With new investment due to a takeover from Investcorp that will reportedly go through within the next one or two weeks according to Rudy Galetti, Milan are set for a big summer spending spree.
Deals for Sven Botman and Divock Origi have been in the pipeline for a while, but they could be joined by the likes of Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku, who have both been linked.
Lukaku is the latest star to be linked with a move to the club, and with Chelsea preferring to use Kai Havertz through the middle, the Belgian may look to cut his losses and leave this summer.
Goal have reported that Milan are keen on Lukaku and it would provide the player with a route out of Chelsea that may not present itself again. Given the fee the Blues paid last summer, they won't want to take too big a loss, so it could take a big offer but thanks to new investment Milan should be able to afford a major deal.
Lukaku has proven pedigree in Serie A and a move could help repair the image he currently holds at Chelsea.
