Will Chelsea look to Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to replace Diego Costa in the summer?

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The Sun claim that Chelsea are considering a £70 million move for former striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer should Diego Costa opt to leave the club, as expected, after having his head turned by interest from China. The Everton forward left Stamford Bridge to join the Toffees for £30 million in 2014 after a loan spell at Goodison Park. The Belgian international has shown his quality in that time, coming on leaps and bounds, and could now make a return to the club who brought him to the Premier League.

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What would he bring to Chelsea?

Not only is Lukaku a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, with an impressive tally of 12 goals from 20 games already this season, but he is a like for like replacement for Costa, who has proven to be the perfect fit in Antonio Conte’s system. The 23-year-old is physical and aggressive in a way which poses a threat that is almost unrivaled in the Premier League, giving defenders a unique problem when they come up against him. With the likes of Hazard and Pedro on either side of him, Lukaku could become one of the most feared strikers in the world.

Is a move likely?

It seems so. Everton are doing much better this season than last, but the big investment expected by new owners hasn’t yet materialised and they remain some distance off the top five. That is unlikely to convince Lukaku that he should stay at the club long term and with only two and a half years left on his contract they may be forced to sell this summer or the next to avoid his value plummeting. The opportunity to prove himself at the club where he failed to make the grade could be the perfect chance.

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Verdict

9/10 – It’s very likely that the Blues will turn to Lukaku as a replacement for Costa and it’s hard to see him staying happy on Merseyside unless Ronald Koeman can convince the Belgian that the club can mount a serious challenge the top four next season. The Blues will have money to spend if Costa goes, and it’s probable will be spent on investing in bringing Lukaku back to London.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Serg Hoholok.