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Chelsea are known for housing some of the best young talent in the world, with the club's policy of signing starlets being their primary modus operandi. Amongst the many who once wore the shirt of Chelsea, including current superstars Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku is perhaps the biggest one who got away.
Chelsea and Lukaku: The return of the prodigal son?
Signed from Anderlecht aged 18 as a proven goalscorer in Belgium, Lukaku came with great hype and potential that Chelsea ultimately squandered. His three years as an official Chelsea player saw him make merely 10 appearances without a single goal. The low point being a missed penalty against Bayern Munich in the 2013 UEFA Super Cup shootout. Having since gone on to be one of the world class center forwards of his generation, the rumor mill has been filled with speculation of a Chelsea return for Lukaku. Here are five reasons Chelsea should sign Lukaku this summer.
#5. Adds a new physical dimension to the Chelsea attack
From a tactical perspective, Chelsea's style of play requires a focal point of attack to hold the ball up and reach quick crosses in the penalty box. Whilst Kai Havertz has impressed in a false nine role, with the sale of Olivier Giroud, Chelsea have lost a vital attacking tool in a physically intimidating forward. The 6'4 Lukaku looks to be in the sharpest physical shape of his career and could slot in smoothly as a part of an attacking trio, much like he has excelled amongst the likes of Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco.
An often unfairly criticized aspect of his game was his first touch and passing, which has seen considerable improvement since his move to Inter Milan, linking up with Lautaro Martinez.
#4. He has developed into a lethal goalscorer
Almost consistently throughout his career, with the exception of his few glimpses in a Chelsea shirt, Lukaku has been a proven goalscorer hungry for accolades. In his Anderlecht youth team days, he had scored an unbelievable 131 goals in 93 matches. He easily translated that into his professional career, winning the Belgian golden boot aged just 16. At West Brom Everton and Manchester United, he scored 85 goals in around 175 combined appearances, firing just shy of a goal every two games. At Inter Milan, he absolutely dominated with 47 goals in a mere 72 appearances firing the Nerazzuri to their first Scudetto in over a decade, winning many plaudits. He incredibly followed a wonderful season with a four-goal haul at Euro 2020. Lukaku pretty much guarantees goals and is a striker at the peak of his powers.
This is in stark contrast to the current Chelsea crop of strikers, namely Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham, both of whom look goal shy and nervous finishers, having fluffed many chances over the course of the 2020-21 season.
#3 He is familiar with the rhythm of the Premier League
Another enticing factor is his time spent playing in the Premier League. Over a six-year spell in England, Lukaku has adapted to the quick tempo and physicality of the English League. He initially plied his trade for relegation battlers West Bromwich Albion before securing a move to Everton. At Manchester United, the pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, along with Jose Mourinho's rigid tactics, saw him cope with plenty of criticism. His confidence, however, only grew after this difficult experience, as evidenced by his form for club and country.
#2. He Will finally fulfil the prophecy of being the next Didier Drogba
Upon his immediate arrival at Chelsea, since the very first day there was no escaping the mythical figure of the talismanic Didier Drogba. The aging Ivorian was in his last season at the club and cast a towering shadow over Lukaku, who many believed was the "King's" heir apparent. The obvious comparisons of physical stature and appearances meant Lukaku had to shoulder the weight of Chelsea's immense expectations to replace their club legend. It was a near impossible task for Lukaku, with immensely large shoes to fill.
Lukaku was part of the squad that won the Champions League, although he did not want to be associated because of the negligent role he played. He was shipped off on loan moves before eventually cementing his own legacy as a generational talent. Part of him would no doubt be excited to fulfill the "prophecy" of being a Chelsea superstar.
#1. A cheaper and more practical alternative to Haaland
Chelsea's admiration for Erling Haaland has been the central headline of the transfer window. The Chelsea hierarchy seem almost desperate to land the Norwegian wonderkid who will add a vital ruthless edge to the defending European Champions. A well discussed alternative has been to move for Lukaku, having been rumored over the last two transfer windows.
With Inter Milan's owners facing well documented financial perils that sees the departure of title-winning manager Antonio Conte and star player Achraf Hakimi. With large wage cuts, making a move for Romelu Lukaku with the right financial package might suit all parties involved seeing Inter Milan cash in on a valued asset, Chelsea getting their man, and Lukaku returning to the old pastures.
