Chelsea warned top striker would struggle to create Eden Hazard partnership
Steve Nicol has warned Chelsea that Romelu Lukaku wouldn't be able to match Diego Costa's understanding with Eden Hazard
Romelu Lukaku would struggle to replicate Diego Costa’s strike partnership with Eden Hazard at Chelsea, according to Steve Nicol.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League champions in the summer transfer window.
Antonio Conte is thought to view Lukaku as a potential replacement for Diego Costa in the Chelsea attack.
The Blues boss is reported to have informed the Spanish striker by text message that he is free to leave the champions this summer.
Costa netted 20 times in the Premier League last term as he won his second title in three seasons thanks in part to his devastating partnership with Hazard.
Lukaku has proven to be Everton’s talisman up front since his £27m switch to the Merseyside outfit in 2014, scoring 25 times in 36 outings last term.
Speaking to ESPN FC about Chelsea’s pursuit of Lukaku in the summer transfer window, former Liverpool defender Nicol warned that the Belgian would struggle to match Costa’s understanding with Hazard.
“We have seen the connection Costa and Hazard have. I don’t see that with Lukaku,” Nicol said.
“If Chelsea pay a lot of money, I’m not sure he lives up the billing.”
Costa moved to Chelsea in a £32m deal from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in 2014 summer transfer window.
