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Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has clear verdict over Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku was loaned out to Inter Milan this season with the Italian giants having the option to extend the agreement - but that could be about to change.
Romelu Lukaku could be about to make his Premier League return as incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has a clear view on the striker. The Belgian striker has scored nine goals in 27 while on loan at Inter Milan this season and Pochettino could give him a second chance at Stamford Bridge.
Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino looks set to be appointed the new boss at Chelsea this summer with his reputation in English football putting him above rival candidates. Pochettino led Spurs to the Champions League final and is set to overlook a huge rebuild at Chelsea as co-owner Todd Boehly could axe 17 players this summer to reduce their squad.
Former Everton and Manchester United striker Lukaku was a huge signing for Chelsea costing them £97.5million in 2021. However, the Belgian failed to impress chiefs during his first season at Stamford Bridge in his second stint, and was loaned back to former side Inter Milan for a fee of around £7m as Chelsea tried to cut their losses on the striker.
It was thought that Lukaku could either be sold this summer or Inter have an option to extend the agreement into next season if they cover half of his wages and a £7m loan fee. However, if Pochettino is appointed as the next Chelsea boss he reportedly has a favourite strike partnership which he would like to test.
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The Sun have reported that even though Pochettino is yet to reach a formal agreement to become the next Chelsea boss, 'summer plans for the players are already underway'. The Sun claim talks will be held to try and attempt Lukaku to give it another go in England.
Young striker Joao Felix has been a costly loan addition for Chelsea this season scoring just two goals in 16 matches since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in January. Boehly paid just under £10million to take the 23-year-old on loan for the final six months of the season after Felix fell out of favour with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
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However, Felix has over four years remaining on his contract after costing Atletico a huge £113m to buy from Benfica in 2019, and his parent club will want to recoup a large part of that outlay if the talented forward is sold. Chelsea have reportedly made a decision on the youngster and he looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge for another season at least.
Felix has previously highlighted the importance of playing in the Champions League, but could be persuaded to stay at Stamford Bridge without European football next season. Pochettino could land himself a formidable strike partnership with experienced marksman Lukaku playing alongside the tricky Felix.