Mauricio Pochettino given crucial striker transfer guidance as Chelsea face easy £17m decision
Chelsea must ‘get clear’ of Romelu Lukaku at all costs, according to Mauricio Pochettino.
This summer, the 29-year-old forward will return from a season-long loan at Inter Milan, and despite having departed on sour terms, he is expected to be given a second opportunity in west London.
Lukaku, whose contract with Chelsea expires in 2026, has appeared 24 times for the Nerazzurri in Serie A this season, directly contributing to 15 goals. The Belgium international suffered several injuries at the beginning of the season, but once he found his rhythm, he rapidly gained momentum.
After failing to score over the weekend, Lukaku has only the Champions League final remaining to establish he deserves a spot in Pochettino’s squad for next season. Frank Leboeuf insists that the Belgian must be sold this summer despite his participation in Inter’s journey to the European final against Manchester City.
The former Blues defender explained on the Si & Dan Talk Chelsea podcast why Lukaku does not merit a second opportunity at Chelsea. According to the Metro, Leboeuf was quoted as saying, “I believe he realizes he won’t be successful here, so he’s already stated he doesn’t want to return.
“I believe he has already decided, so he shouldn’t return. If you no longer wish to play for a club, you should stop playing, and the club must do everything possible to get free of him.
“I am aware that he cost a lot of money, but he does not want to be here. Fans will be angry, so as soon as he performs poorly, he will be jeered and there will be a great deal of commotion, so what’s the point?
“Try to get free of him, shake hands, and bid farewell. I wish him the best; I adore Lukaku, and I sincerely hope he finds success and contentment at Inter, so that we can acquire another player.”
If Lukaku, who is currently worth just £17 million, is to return to Chelsea, he must first apologize to the fans. Florent Malouda stated in an interview with BoyleSports, “There are numerous issues to be resolved, but I would not mind Romelu returning to Chelsea because I believe he can and will have something to prove.
“However, he cannot do it under the conditions he left under previously – this is the reality. Due to the interview he gave there two years ago, he must improve his relationship with the supporters without question.
“I’ve read that Pochettino wouldn’t mind working with Lukaku, and this should inspire confidence in Romelu. He has demonstrated that he is still a top player during his tenure in Italy.
“He has endured a great deal of adversity and still has some wrongdoings to rectify. The fact that Chelsea is not competing in the Champions League necessitates that they have players who want to be here. Too many participants are looking elsewhere because they do not feel included in the endeavor.
Read More:
- Pochettino must release Chelsea’s “frightening” £100k-p/w star
- Ange Postecoglou stated what Tottenham star did in Wolves loss after significant team changes
- Mikel Arteta subjects a clear report on Martin Odegaard, Ben White injuries
- Leandro Trossard “peaks” as Arsenal startled to life by Burnley.
- Arsenal star’s January move could be in trouble after injury blow
Mauricio Pochettino given crucial striker transfer guidance as Chelsea face easy £17m decision