Chelsea face huge dilemma over striker’s future this summer

Chelsea recorded a third consecutive victory as they beat Leicester City 3-1 on Saturday. 

The Blues followed up wins over Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund with the win at The King Power Stadium, easing the pressure on manager Graham Potter.

Goals from Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic were enough to secure three points against The Foxes, and Potter will have been impressed with the performances of a number of his players.

The likes of Chilwell, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher were all impressive, although it remains to be seen which players will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.

Chelsea are rumoured to be plotting an overhaul of their squad this summer following the permanent signings of 16 new players this season, with a number of squad players set to depart.

Those in charge of the club must also make a decision on the future of striker Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at Italian side Inter Milan.

According to The Mail, the player is keen to remain in Italy, but Inter cannot afford to commit to the current terms of his loan deal for a further 12 months.

Lukaku faces an uncertain future with Inter unable to afford to keep him

The 29-year-old has endured a difficult couple of seasons, hampered by both injuries and poor form.

Back in 2021, Lukaku re-joined Chelsea more than five years after he first departed the club, but his first season back at Stamford Bridge didn’t go to plan.

The Belgium international, who cost Chelsea just under £100 million, scored just eight Premier League goals last term, despite having netted 24 times in Serie A the previous year to help Inter to the league title.

He was therefore sent back on loan to the Italian side last summer and scored in his first game back with the club, but he has since struggled with injuries.

So far this term, he has scored five goals in 17 appearances across all competitions, but he now faces an uncertain future.

The report claims that he is unlikely to ever return and be involved with Chelsea as he doesn’t suit Potter’s style of play, but that leaves the ex-Manchester United man in limbo.

Lukaku has three years remaining on his current deal, but Chelsea are almost certain to make a significant loss on the player if they do decide to sell him.

The total of the loan fees, wages and bonuses that Inter have to pay for the striker is said to be around £20 million, an amount that the Italian side cannot afford to commit to for a further year.