Lukaku will LOVE going back to Chelsea for one reason, claims Arsenal legend

Robin Bairner

• 11 May 2023 15:25 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will “love” going back to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

Lukaku was signed by the Blues for a Premier League record €120 million from Inter in the summer of 2021 but failed to justify that outlay with a season of injury problems and disappointing form.

Shunted back to the Nerazzurri on loan this season, the Belgium international has fared little better, netting 10 times in 30 goals for the Champions League semi-finalists.

MORE: Chelsea AND Inter change plans for Romelu Lukaku next season

It looks unlikely that Lukaku will remain with the San Siro side beyond this season – they have said that they cannot afford his wage for another season – and with Chelsea likely asking a significant fee for the transfer of the 106-time capped hitman, there appear to be few options for the former Manchester United and Everton striker to take.

Wright believes the opportunity to go back to the Bridge will be one that the 29-year-old Lukaku will relish.

“The word on the street is that Mauricio Pochettino wants him back,” he told the ‘Wright’s House’ podcast. “He’s got unfinished business here, he’s got massive unfinished business here. If I was him, I would love to know I’m going back there and I can shut a few people up.

“He’s got to do that. He owes it to himself to try.”

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Lukaku's value has plummeted

Lukaku was on the bench as Inter secured a Champions League advantage over Milan with a 2-0 semi-final win on Wednesday, and though he was given an opportunity late in the game, he was unthreatening in his 20-minute appearance.

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped to €45m, having struck a maximum of €141m in January 2021, months before he moved to Chelsea.

No player in world football has been sold cumulatively for the money that Lukaku has gone for during his career, with the forward having completed transfer deals worth €333m as a professional.