Chelsea are ready to make a move for Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling this summer, but only if Inter Milan signs Romelu Lukaku on loan, according to rumors.
Following his £97.5 million club-record return last summer, Thomas Tuchel’s side are already in talks with the Nerazzurri to sign Lukaku on loan after only one season at the club.
Recall that Lukaku managed to score only 15 goals in all competitions during the 2021/22 season and has reportedly said he does not enjoy working under coach Thomas Tuchel. Hence, talks between the two teams are set to take place on Sunday with the hope of reaching an agreement to seal Lukaku’s return to Italy.
Lukaku is willing to take a pay cut to secure the move, but the loan price is still to be agreed upon after Inter’s original bid was rejected by Chelsea.
Tuchel wants the 29-year-old to leave, but co-owner Todd Boehly isn’t persuaded that a departure is the best option, but he’s willing to support Tuchel.
Chelsea’s head coach has been granted complete authority over targets and outgoings, and he has been given the ultimate say, in this case on a big-money acquisition who will leave after only one season. This is a significant decision.
In line with Tuchel’s directive, Chelsea are preparing for the departure of Lukaku, who is expected to leave in the coming weeks, and have identified potential striking targets to fill the void.
Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig is one of the targets. The west London club is also interested in signing Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract.
Raheem Sterling, on the other hand, might leave Man City this summer, and Chelsea are keen to sign the England international.
Tuchel cautioned his attackers at the close of last season that he could look for more decisive players to add to his front line in the transfer market.
After keeping an eye on Sterling, Simon Mullock claims that Chelsea would make a bid for him if Lukaku goes, which is quite likely.
Chelsea, Tuchel, and Boehly will ‘intensify’ their pursuit of the England international, who is likely to command a fee of more than £50 million this summer.
Sterling’s contract at the Etihad Stadium will expire next summer, and no decision has been made about his future.
If Chelsea’s interest in Sterling, 27, is genuine, only time will tell. However, the indicators indicate that if one domino falls, the next will fall rapidly.
