Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in their transfer plans in what was expected to be a fairly busy window for the Blues.
The recently crowned Champions League winners were touted with a move to re-sign former Stamford Bridge star Romelu Lukaku, currently of Inter Milan.
Despite spending around £45m on ex-RB Leipzig star Timo Werner this time last year, Chelsea’s biggest weakness last season was their form in front of goal.
It clearly didn’t hinder the Blues too much given their success on the European stage, but a fourth-placed finish is unlikely to be accepted two seasons in a row.
Tuchel is expected to be backed by owner Roman Abramovich with huge funds to attract some of the biggest names on the continent, including Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland.
However, it is unlikely that the Bundesliga outfit will part ways with their prized asset this summer, in turn leading Chelsea to look elsewhere to solve their goal-scoring woes.
Ex-Chelsea striker Lukaku was originally identified as an ideal candidate, second only to Haaland on the Blues transfer wish-list.
It now appears the Blues will miss out on Lukaku as well, as the Belgian’s agent issued an update which will make for unwelcome reading for the Chelsea faithful.
The forward’s agent was asked about the lingering interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City, but responded with “There’s absolutely no problem with Inter. Romelu is on holiday.”
The Serie A outfit are thought to consider Lukaku.
Tuchel will now have to plan for the new season without Lukaku re-joining the Chelsea ranks as they prepare to look elsewhere.
Tottenham star Harry Kane has also been touted with a move to Chelsea, though it is unclear whether the England skipper is keen on swapping North London for West.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is believed to be unwilling to accept anything less than £150m for Kane, who has expressed his desire to leave the club in pursuit of the game’s biggest trophies, something that has eluded him so far.
In more unfortunate news for Chelsea, Kane’s most likely destination appears to be Manchester City, given Pep Guardiola’s side are the most likely to be able to afford him.
Kane is unlikely to want to burn his bridges at Tottenham by joining a direct London rival.