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3 strikers who could replace Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea

By Uttiyo Sarkar

Romelu Lukaku (R) celebrates with Mason Mount (C) and Christian Pulisic (L) after scoring the opening goal of the English FA cup quarter-final football match between Middlesbrough and Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, north-east England on March 19, 2022. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku (R) celebrates with Mason Mount (C) and Christian Pulisic (L) after scoring the opening goal of the English FA cup quarter-final football match between Middlesbrough and Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, north-east England on March 19, 2022. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Romelu Lukaku (#9) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Chelsea in the English FA cup quarterfinal against Middlesbrough. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku (#9) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Chelsea in the English FA cup quarterfinal against Middlesbrough. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea could be in search of new striker ahead of next season

Chelsea are nearing the dawn of a new era. New owners are set to take over the club after Roman Abramovich put them up for sale. Expectations are high from supporters, whomever takes over the club.

To win over the fans, the incoming owners must prominently invest in the summer transfer window. Thomas Tuchel needs a few areas strengthened with the Romelu Lukaku situation expected to be the center of focus in the summer.

Lukaku has irked the club and its fans since his infamous interview a few months ago. The Belgian striker said he regrets leaving Inter Milan while also complaining that Tuchel’s system didn’t suit him.

He’s only scored 12 goals in 34 appearances, not enough for a player bought for nearly £100m. Because of his questionable attitude and inability to suit Tuchel’s system, the club could look to replace him. Here are some potential options.

Patrik Schick

If Chelsea wants to replace Lukaku with a similar left-footed, physical striker, then Patrik Schick is a valuable candidate. Despite scoring the goal of the tournament in Euro 2020 last year, the 26-year-old didn’t get a major transfer last summer.

Patrik Schick (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images)
Patrik Schick (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images) /

The Blues have the opportunity to pounce now. Schick is having his most prolific season yet with Bayer Leverkusen, 20 goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances. That is more than double the nine league goals he scored last season.

Schick is a clinical goal-scorer, agile with his reactions, and prolific in counter-attacks. The 6’3″ forward boasts an admirable heading ability and is strong enough to cope with the Premier League’s intensity.

Valued at €40m (as per Transfermarkt), he could be a smart signing for Chelsea. Schick is yet to hit his prime and has proven himself as a prolific goal-scorer with his Bundesliga heroics this season. If Tuchel wants a striker who can make an immediate impact and also deliver for seasons to come, there aren’t many better than Schick.

Darwin Nuñez

Darwin Nuñez could be the wild card in Chelsea’s striker chase. The Benfica forward is gaining popularity among Europe’s elite for his performances for the Portuguese side.

Darwin Nunez  (Photo by Soccrates/Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez  (Photo by Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Nuñez has scored 26 goals in 33 appearances for Benfica this season. More impressive is his four goals in eight Champions League appearances. The 22-year-old scored the winner in Benfica’s 1-0 triumph over Ajax in the Round of 16, helping them progress to the quarterfinals.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan forward is packed with firepower. WhoScored states his strong points to be finishing, dribbling, long-range shooting ability and key passes. The versatile youngster can play as a centre-forward as well as in both wings.

He is a well-rounded, dynamic striker with loads of potential. Only 22, Nuñez has plenty of years ahead of him and is the hard-working, efficient player Tuchel likes.

According to the Portuguese outlet Record (h/t Teamtalk), Benfica will ask €80m for Nuñez. Seeing his big-game performances and consistency this season, Chelsea’s new owners could fancy the risk of splashing the cash to replace Lukaku next season.

Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is poised to be the most sought-after player in the transfer market this year. The Norwegian finally looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund and is seeking a move to a European giant.

Erling Haaland (Photo by JAVAD PARSA/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
Erling Haaland (Photo by JAVAD PARSA/NTB/AFP via Getty Images) /

Haaland’s quality and ability can’t be questioned. He’s scored 23 goals in as many appearances for Dortmund this season. In his entire career with the Bundesliga side, he’s scored 80 goals and registered 21 assists in 80 games. He is a certified goal machine.

The problem is his price tag. According to German outlet Bild (via ManagingMadrid), the entire package to sign Haaland – fee, wages, add-ons and agent fees – could cost any team over €350m across some years. That is absurd money.

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But if the new Chelsea owners want to prove they can spend like Roman Abramovich, they’d take this challenge gladly. Tuchel can be persuaded to convince him to join and if able to do so, Haaland can help Chelsea challenge for the Premier League and Champions League titles for years to come.

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