Romelu Lukaku is heading into the 2016 European Championships as one of the most in-form strikers in the world. And his form has ultimately led to a host of high-profile European powerhouses vying for his signature.
When Chelsea signed Lukaku from Belgium outfit Anderlecht in 2011, he was prized by many to be the replacement for Didier Drogba. It was always going to be a tough task for the Belgian.
After all, Drogba scored over 100 goals during his tenure in West London. However Lukaku had the potential to become the ideal successor to the Ivorian, he scored 131 goals in 93 games for Anderlecht youth teams. Lukaku then mirrored that in the Anderlecht first team, scoring 33 goals in 73 appearances.
His first season in the capital was extremely unflattering, making 12 appearances and not notching a single goal.
He also refused to hold the Champions League trophy after The Blues’ win in the final, saying he did not feel like a winner.
Lukaku then had two successful loan spells over the next two seasons. The first saw him join West Brom, scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances. He was then loaned to Everton the following season, scoring 15 goals in 31 appearances.
That following summer, Chelsea signed Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid. Despite Lukaku proving he could perform week by week in the Premier League, his hopes of finally becoming a regular starter at Chelsea had been squashed once again.
And during the same summer, Lukaku joined Everton for a club record fee of £28 million.
The past two years have been impressive for Lukaku, being the bright spark in an under-performing Everton side. He has been the club’s top goal- scorer in both seasons. However if he wishes to become one of the best players in the world, now is the time to leave Merseyside.
And there will be no shortage of potential suitors, with PSG, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Chelsea all rumoured to be interested.
The Blues are said to be in pole position to bring the 23 year-old back to Stamford Bridge.
After a disastrous season, Chelsea and incoming manager Antonio Conte’s sights will be fully set on ensuring The Blues are one of the teams fighting for first place next year.
And with Radamel Falcao, Alexandre Pato and Loic Remy all being said to be departing SW6, Chelsea are heading into next season looking particularly weak up-top. That is why Lukaku a perfect candidate to become a summer addition.
However, Everton have set a £65 million price tag upon the young Belgian’s head. A steep figure for a player who may not even be first-choice striker next year, with Chelsea already possessing the clinical Diego Costa. Yet, the fee is well within the capabilities of The Blues.
Also, due to last seasons disappointing league finish, Chelsea will not be able to offer Lukaku European football next term. But, if Conte can manage to persuade the Belgian to make the move back to London, Chelsea will have one of the most deadliest strikers in Europe amongst their ranks
