Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a move for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Valencia right-back Joao Cancelo in the summer.
According to reports in Yahoo Sports, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has asked the club hierarchy to go for the duo in the summer transfer window.
The Italian tactician, who had asked Chelsea’s board to sign Lukaku after taking charge of the Blues, made another failed effort last month after the bust-up with Diego Costa. He is now ready to test Everton’s resolve once again in the summer as he is keen to bring back the Belgium international at Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League leaders are currently nine points ahead and their striker Diego Costa has been in superb form, scoring 15 goals this term which has played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s brilliant run. However, the Spain international has been linked with a move away from Chelsea and Conte has identified the Everton striker as a ready-made replacement for Costa.
Lukaku recently surpassed Costa as the highest goal-scorer in the league after netting four goals in Everton’s 6-3 win over Bournemouth on Saturday (February 4). After initially struggling to do well under new manager Ronald Koeman, the Belgian is looking settled. And the way he has performed under different managers, it is very clear that he can exceed under any manager with his combination of power, pace and technique. Moreover, his age, which is 23, can force Chelsea to sign him as a long-term striker.
Meanwhile, Lukaku has said he is currently focusing on his career with the Toffees. Speaking to the Daily Express, he said: “I’m just focused on this period of time and I don’t want to look ahead too far. That is the mistake I made last year. I was focusing already ahead and looking forward to things in front instead of the present.”
The Blues are also ready to reignite their interest in Cancelo after failing to sign the Valencia star last summer.
However, the Blues are set to face stiff competition from La Liga giants Barcelona who are also interested in the £25 million-rated defender.