Thomas Tuchel addresses Romelu Lukaku future ahead of summer window

• Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed Romelu Lukaku’s future ahead of the summer transfer window
• Tuchel has hinted that Lukaku will stay at Chelsea this summer despite a disappointing first season back at Stamford Bridge
• Tuchel has said Lukaku is in his plans for next season, although it was earlier reported that the club is ready to offload the forward

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said Romelu Lukaku will still be at the club next season despite a hugely underwhelming first year back at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku hit the ground running after his £97.5m move from Inter last summer, but following an injury layoff, a time off due to coronavirus, and an ill-advised explosive interview with Italian media, his form has waned and the goals have dried up.

The striker’s return to the club hit another low on Sunday when he was left on the bench against Everton when Chelsea was chasing the game and needed a goal – the match ended in defeat.

It has been reported that the Blues are prepared to let their club-record signing leave in the summer, with his former employers Inter and Paris Saint-Germain among those interested in the Belgian.

However, with Chelsea essentially operating under a transfer embargo due to the sanctions imposed on current owner Roman Abramovich by the UK government, Tuchel has revealed Lukaku may well be at Stamford Bridge next season out of necessity.

The measures will only be lifted once a takeover of the club is complete, although a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly is close to finalizing a deal.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

Speaking ahead of the Premier League clash with Wolves on Saturday, Tuchel addressed Lukaku’s future and admitted Chelsea was already “behind” in the transfer window.

“I want him to be an important part of the squad. Right now, he is a very important part of the squad next season. There is no way, no recruitment, no players about to leave because it is simply not possible,” Tuchel said.

“If the situation changes, we need anyway to adapt all the time to contractual situations, individual situations of the players, what we want and think, and what the development will be. We signed a big player, and he is still a big player.

“He didn’t come on [vs Everton] because we had three changes and used one. Unfortunately had to use one at half-time for Jorgi. He trained very well, and maybe he will start tomorrow. Let’s see.”

Asked about the upcoming transfer window, Tuchel continued: “There is none at the moment [recruitment], not possible. You say so [the takeover will be complete before the window opens]. We are not sure. Maybe yes.

Tuchel was speaking on Friday during the pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Wolves at the Bridge on Saturday.