Chelsea face £90m price tag to seal striker’s return after admitting defeat in race for top transfer target

The decision to sack club legend Frank Lampard and replace him with Thomas Tuchel in February is looking more shrewd with every result at the moment, with the Blues in a commanding position after their Champions League semi-final first leg. 

Tuchel’s side went ahead early on against Real Madrid on Tuesday and could have scored three more, before Karim Benzema equalised shortly before half-time.

The rest of the match remained goalless meaning that a 0-0 draw in the second leg will be enough to see Chelsea progress to the final courtesy of the away goal rule.

With a potential FA Cup and Champions League double still a realistic achievement, it seems that those in charge at Stamford Bridge are already planning ahead for a potential title bid next term.

According to The Sun, the Blues are preparing a staggering £90 million bid to seal the return of former forward Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian, who is now managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, departed West London in 2014 and spent time with Everton and Manchester United before joining the Series A side in 2019.

Werner’s goal against West Ham was just his second in 32 games

The report suggests that Chelsea have ended their interest in Erling Braut Haaland, admitting that they will be unlikely to prise the forward away from Manchester City’s grasp.

Lukaku, who never scored in the royal blue of Chelsea, has been in sensational form this season, scoring 21 goals and contributing a further nine assists in 32 league games so far.

Chelsea are reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with summer signing Timo Werner, with his point-blank miss against Real Madrid the latest in a series of glaring opportunities that the German has failed to convert.

It is understood that the club are adamant they need a new striker to lead the line, and 27-year-old Lukaku is seen as the perfect fit to do exactly that.