After appointing a new manager in the form of Graham Potter, there has been plenty of speculation about whether Chelsea would be considering recalling Romelu Lukaku, who is currently out on loan at Inter Milan.
However, speaking in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Fabrizio Romano revealed that there was little truth to this rumour, saying: “My understanding is that there is no update to speak of just yet.
“Nothing has changed between Lukaku and Chelsea. The point is the player – he’s only focused on Inter project and he hopes to continue there also next season.
“No one has called him on the Chelsea side, so I think the comeback is not a priority for both the club and the player right now.”
Recalling Romelu Lukaku From Loan Is ‘Not a Priority’ for Chelsea
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
🔵 What next for Romelu Lukaku's Chelsea future? @FabrizioRomano has the answers to this and much more in his latest column!
Full story 👇👇
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) September 20, 2022
Lukaku’s Return to Inter Milan
Perhaps the reason Chelsea are in no rush to recall their £90 million asset is that he has failed to impress upon his return to Inter Milan.
The Belgian international has scored just one goal since his return to Italy, whilst also registering one assist. Those numbers aren’t exactly world-class, although it must be said that the striker has made just three appearances so far this season and as a result, his numbers are likely to improve as the season develops.
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Nevertheless, it is not surprising that just one goal and one assist is not enough to lure Chelsea into attempting to recall a player, who has 275 domestic goals, that has so publicly announced his desire to be an Inter Milan player.
Inter have opened discussions with Chelsea to extend Romelu Lukaku's loan for another year for €8m, according to Gazzetta dello Sport 🤝 pic.twitter.com/g3NJ4ek0LE
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 18, 2022
Does He Suit Graham Potter’s Style of Play?
In short, no he doesn’t. At least at face value.
During his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, Potter often deployed a mobile striker who was involved throughout all phases of the game. Take Neal Maupay for example, the Frenchman had a responsibility not just to score goals, but to lead the press, drop deep and interchange with his attacking teammates on the wing.
Unless Lukaku drastically changes how he plays the game, which at 29 years of age is unlikely, then the Belgian isn’t going to be able to provide Potter with that same skillset.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: ‘No Purchase Option’ on Young Chelsea Star’s Loan
Between his slow start at the beginning of this season, and his apparent lack of suitability to Potter’s style of play, it is no wonder that Chelsea are in no rush to recall Romelu Lukaku from his loan at Inter Milan.
