Desperate Move: Chelsea could scrap two first-team players to sign long-term target
Aug 8, 2016 at 12:32 PM
Chelsea are ready to test Everton again with a cash plus Asmir Begovic and Loic Remy offer for Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has already seen an opening offer of £65million for their former turned down by their Premier League rivals.
According to a report from The Sun, however, Conte is not prepared to give up in his pursuit of the Belgian international, who was sold by the west London club to the Toffees for £30m back in 2014.
But aware of Everton’s search for a new No.1 to replace goalkeeper Tim Howard, the manager is hopeful throwing in keeper Begovic and striker Remy as part of an improved offer may tempt the club to part with their prize asset.
Meanwhile, Daily Mail suggests Chelsea’s repeated attempts to persuade Romelu Lukaku for a Stamford Bridge return seems to have infuriated Everton, who have decided to take the same stance they adopted with John Stones 12 months ago by refusing to sell.
Lukaku has remained keen to make a move throughout the summer, frequently speaking about it, but now it seems Everton’s intention to keep him and they have even opened talks about extending his contract, which has three years to run.
A £18m purchase from Anderlecht back in 2011, Lukaku struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge and had spells away on loan at West Brom and Goodison Park before completing a permanent transfer to the latter.
During his time on Merseyside, the 23-year-old has racked up more than 50 goals across all competitions but was unable to hit the back of the net for the final ten games of the campaign – which played a major part in manager Roberto Martinez’s eventual sacking.
With Lukaku at the forefront of Chelsea’s attacking unit, the Blues could climb up the Premier League table and challenge for silverware next season. Conte may even deploy him alongside Diego Costa – and the two strikers could form a lethal partnership up front.