Why Chelsea could consider reintegrating Romelu Lukaku into first team
- Chelsea have been trying to sell Romelu Lukaku this summer
- Belgian has resisted move to Saudi Arabia but talks with former club Inter have fallen through
- Juventus also interested in signing striker
Chelsea would be willing to hand Romelu Lukaku another chance to succeed at the club if head coach Mauricio Pochettino gives his approval, sources have confirmed to 90min.
The Blues have been trying to shift the want-away striker all summer long and he had been expected to return to Inter on a permanent transfer following last season's loan spell. However, those talks fell through after Lukaku signalled a willingness to join rivals Juventus.
The Bianconeri did indeed make a loan enquiry for Lukaku, but this was rejected by Chelsea as they would prefer to get the Belgian off their books for good. He has also been subject of bids from Saudi Pro League clubs but would favour staying in Europe.
At the beginning of August, 90min reported Juventus had floated the idea of swapping Lukaku for Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic.
But with little progress made on such a deal in recent weeks, the possibility of Lukaku staying at Stamford Bridge is gradually increasing.
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90min understands Chelsea would give thought to reintegrating Lukaku into the first-team setup if Pochettino gave his blessing. However, the Argentine is currently against the idea as it stands.
Pochettino was asked about Lukaku's situation in a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to West Ham United.
"The situation [with Lukaku] was clear before we arrived between the club and the player," he said.
"For us, there's nothing to do. It's not only one side. It's two sides. It's two sides to try to find the best solution. You cannot put it only on the club, the situation. It's both sides. The situation is where it is because of two sides. It's like when you have a player in or a player out. It's because both sides arrive to an agreement.
"The situation is how it is, we cannot change. We were informed before we signed, the situation on every single player, and after we signed we had the squad we had. I think it is so clear, nothing changed.
"If there's something to inform, the club will inform."
Lukaku signed for Chelsea for a second time back in 2021 for a £97.5m fee.
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