Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku saga is believed to have handed transfer chief Marina Granovskaia a setback in the January window, according to reports. Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to make major changes to his squad this month but has seen his options cut following a mini crisis over Christmas.
Several Chelsea stars were forced to isolate after posting positive COVID-19 cases. Others have suffered injuries.
Lukaku was one of the players to miss matches in December following an ankle knock and then a positive test.
However, the Belgian was then excluded from Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool having conducted a controversial interview with Sky Italia.
The striker appeared to criticise Tuchel’s tactics and hinted at a return to Inter Milan, from whom Chelsea signed Lukaku in the summer for £97.5million.
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has reportedly disrupted the Blues' transfer plans (Image: GETTY)
Blues supporters did not take well to the quotes, nor did Tuchel.
And the fall-out has apparently disrupted Chelsea’s transfer plans. According to Goal, club director Granovskaia has had to prioritise dealing with the situation rather than having transfer discussions.
Tuchel was unhappy with the interview, which took place in mid-December but was aired on Italian television on New Year’s Eve.
The German dropped Lukaku for the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, in which Chelsea came back from 2-0 down to level before half-time.
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Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia has reportedly been disrupted by Romelu Lukaku (Image: GETTY)
"The interview was about saying goodbye to the Inter fans, it was not about trying to disrespect the fans, the football club, the owner, my team-mates and the manager.
"They did a lot of effort to bring me back here and I was on a mission ever since I left.
"I totally understand the frustrations of the fans but it's up to me to show my commitment is 100 per cent and I will."