Spanish giants shortlist Chelsea superstar in case they fail to sign priority transfer targets

Transfer News: Real Madrid interested in signing Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Football.London), Real Madrid have shortlisted Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku if they fail to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe. 

Lukaku’s comeback season in England has been full of ups and downs. His season has been far from spectacular since he has only managed 12 goals and picked up two assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. Even though the Belgian striker is yet to live up to expectations, he has contributed well in some important cup games.

Keeping aside his on-field performances, the Belgian striker has also caused off-field controversies that infuriated the fans early on during the season. His infamous interview with Sky Italia caused controversy inside and outside the club as the ex-Manchester United striker spoke of his love for Inter Milan and did not show Chelsea in the best of lights.

Now, it is believed that Spanish giants Real Madrid are showing an interest in signing the 28-year-old striker. He has also attracted attention from European supergiants Bayern Munich and Barcelona- both clubs that can do with an imposing presence up front. 

Karim Benzema has been their talisman in recent times. But he isn’t getting any younger and he isn’t immortal. The injured 34-year-old striker recently saw his team humiliated at the hands of Xavi’s Barcelona- who themselves lack an imposing, quality number 9 themselves.

They did sign Sergio Aguero in the summer, but the ex-Manchester City ace had to retire prematurely due to health concerns. As for Los Galacticos, even though their priority remains to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe, they have also shortlisted Lukaku if those ventures fail. 

What will happen if Lukaku leaves?

Lukaku’s five goals in the Premier League this season contradicts the enormous amount Chelsea paid in the last summer transfer window. Even though many players take time to adjust to the English Premier League’s setting, the Belgian had prior experience of playing here while at Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, and Everton. 

He was clearly brought in to take our attack to the next level because we already had a fit and exciting striker in Timo Werner who could have led the line by himself in case Lukaku’s return failed. But that hasn’t happened and Lukaku is no longer an irreplaceable name in our starting XI.

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We paid a cool £97.5million for him just this summer. Unless we can make that money back in a significant way, any sale after just a year of him at Stamford Bridge would seem foolish on our part. As it remains, it won’t be a bad idea to give him a bit more time and see what happens in the near future.