Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel cites Inter hitman Romelu Lukaku as one of the four best centre-forwards in the world, while admitting Tammy Abraham is ‘not happy’ and could join Roma.
Although Lukaku had the first part of his medical in Italy and flew out last night from Milan, it’s believed he stopped off in Monaco before completing the €115m transfer in London.
That means Chelsea are racing against time to get him registered for Saturday’s UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal, as they named the squad, but with a gap that could be filled by the Belgian.
“Romelu is one of the guys – like Haaland in Dortmund, like Lewandowski in Bayern, like Harry Kane in Tottenham – who have a presence around in the box,” said Tuchel in a press conference.
“This is not a secret and this sentence will be easy to repeat for any coach in the world. Does it mean we will sign these four players? It does not. It is a kind of profile we are looking for and if it is possible to convince a player’s agent and club we will do our best.”
It’s reported in Italy that Chelsea are ready to send Abraham to Roma, on loan with obligation to buy for a total €40m, but that Arsenal are the destination the England striker would prefer.
“He was clearly not happy with the last half a year and maybe he has reason also not to be happy and maybe it was also my fault not to push him, not to trust him on the same level I trusted other players,” Tuchel admitted. “I can absolutely understand that he wants more minutes.”