Barcelona keen on giving Lukaku a Chelsea exit after failed Lewandowski talks
Cameron Smith
- 29 Apr 2022 12:50 CDT
- 3 min read
Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku after missing out on Robert Lewandowski.
Bayern superstar Lewandowski has been linked with a move to the Camp Nou, but it appears as though the Bundesliga side aren't willing to part ways with the Polish international this summer.
Recently most read
As a result, Barcelona have turned their attentions to mis-firing Chelsea star Lukaku, who hasn't enjoyed a particularly successful spell back at Stamford Bridge, according to Marca.
Lukaku was signed for a club record fee last summer, with the intention of guiding Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League. However, he has scored just five league goals this campaign, with none coming since the turn of the calendar year.
Kai Havertz has been the preferred option, with Thomas Tuchel also selecting Timo Werner instead of Lukaku. The Belgian's interview with Sky Italia, in which he revealed his love for Inter and his desire to return, has cast a shadow over his return to Chelsea and it the association could be ended after just one year.
Will Lukaku leave Chelsea after just one year?
Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with giving Lukaku an escape from Chelsea, and Marca have now reported that Barcelona have put building blocks in place as they attempt to sign the former Inter forward.
According to Marca's report, Barcelona's Director of Sport Mateu Alemany and their Sporting Advisor Jordi Cruyff have already met with Federico Pastorello, Lukaku's agent, about a potential move.
It's believed that a deal will be complicated, but Barca are certainly interested in the prospect of adding Lukaku to their squad. The report details that a loan deal is an option and could work better for Barcelona who have utilised the free transfer market often in the past year.
Lewandowski was the first-choice option for Barcelona, but Bayern have held firm and are determined to agree a new deal for the player. With Lukaku, however, they won't have the same issues as Chelsea will be keen to move him on for the right price. He is currently a €115 million asset, on high wages as well, mostly used as a late substitute.
A Lukaku transfer to Barcelona could satisfy all parties involved.
