The upcoming summer transfer window will likely see a lot of top strikers change teams as several elite clubs are in the market for new centre-forwards, which could spark a sort of a merry-go-round.
Barcelona, too, are among the teams looking for a top-quality striker heading into the new season. The Blaugrana had their sights set on Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland for the longest time but seem set to lose out to Manchester City in the race for the 21-year-old.
Such a scenario has forced Xavi Hernandez & co. to look at alternatives, and Chelsea superstar Romelu Lukaku has emerged as a Plan B for the Catalan giants.
The Belgian international returned to Stamford Bridge last summer, arriving in a club-record deal worth €115 million. But he has struggled to get going in his second stint with the Blues, scoring just five Premier League goals in 19 appearances.
The 28-year-old’s overall tally of 11 goals in 33 matches across all competitions does not come out as impressive either, considering the huge outlay Chelsea made to sign him. As a result, his future at the club has come under doubt, and Barcelona are willing to offer him a way out.
The upcoming summer transfer window will likely see a lot of top strikers change teams as several elite clubs are in the market for new centre-forwards, which could spark a sort of a merry-go-round.
Barcelona, too, are among the teams looking for a top-quality striker heading into the new season. The Blaugrana had their sights set on Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland for the longest time but seem set to lose out to Manchester City in the race for the 21-year-old.
Such a scenario has forced Xavi Hernandez & co. to look at alternatives, and Chelsea superstar Romelu Lukaku has emerged as a Plan B for the Catalan giants.
The Belgian international returned to Stamford Bridge last summer, arriving in a club-record deal worth €115 million. But he has struggled to get going in his second stint with the Blues, scoring just five Premier League goals in 19 appearances.
The 28-year-old’s overall tally of 11 goals in 33 matches across all competitions does not come out as impressive either, considering the huge outlay Chelsea made to sign him. As a result, his future at the club has come under doubt, and Barcelona are willing to offer him a way out.
Xavi on ‘a big test’ for Barça at Galatasaray
However, as per a report from Fichajes, the Blaugrana’s La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid are also now interested in signing Lukaku in the summer transfer window.
With Luis Suarez fading this season, Diego Simeone is on the lookout for a new prolific goalscorer to lead the line and has identified the Chelsea star as an option, along with Torino’s Andrea Belotti and veteran Manchester United star Edinson Cavani.
Lukaku, for his part, is believed to be keen on returning to Inter Milan and is even said to be willing to drop his wage demands to secure a move back to San Siro. However, the Nerazzurri are unlikely to re-sign him, leaving La Liga as a potential destination for the Belgian.
Whether either of Barcelona or Atletico Madrid decide to step up their interest in the ex-Manchester United striker come summer remains to be seen.