Report: Chelsea eye potential €80-90m-rated transfer to replace Inter Milan target Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea have identified an immediate successor to Romelu Lukaku, should he leave the club this summer.

Lukaku is hoping for a return to Inter Milan this month following a season-long loan in the 2022/23 campaign.

The Belgian scored 14 goals, helping the Italian giants reach the Champions League final, which they went on to lose against eventual winners Manchester City.

Despite a smattering of mixed performances in his return to Italy, the forward remains keen on making his loan permanent, with all parties seemingly in agreement his time at Stamford Bridge is firmly over.

Lukaku joined Chelsea from Inter in 2021 for a staggering £97.5 million transfer fee following a title winning campaign with the Nerazzurri.

However, following a controversial interview with Sky Italia, the big forward struggled to regain favour with then manager Thomas Tuchel.

With this being said, the Blues are reportedly in the market for an out-and-out number nine to replace Lukaku this summer, in an attempt to plug an obvious hole in their lopsided squad.

And according to Il Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, the west London giants have turned their attention to fellow Serie A star Dusan Vlahovic.

Vlahovic, of Juventus, swapped Florence for Turin back in January 2022 following a prolific spell with Fiorentina.

And having reportedly previously drawn the attention of fellow London club Arsenal, Chelsea have named the Serbian as a key target for them this transfer window.

Since joining the Old Lady, the 23-year-old has shown glimpses of magic netting 10 goals in 27 games in an injury-hit Serie A campaign , making him the clubs top goal-scorer last term.

And relayed by Football Italia, representatives of both Juventus and Chelsea could meet in London as early as this week to attempt to broker a deal for the powerful centre-forward.

It is said that the deal could be worth between €80-90 million, with Chelsea hoping to add to their attacking depth having seen Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson enter through the Cobham doors already this summer.

And having returned a meagre 38 goals in the Premier League last season, seeing the Blues finish as low as 12th, ensuring they get their striking recruitment spot on for new manager Mauricio Pochettino, will be a top priority for the Chelsea hierarchy this summer.