Journalist says top 24-year-old striker wants to sign for Chelsea this summer
Darmesh Sheth delivers the latest update on reports linking Chelsea with a transfer move to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer
Romelu Lukaku wants to sign for Chelsea this summer – but his move could be held up because of Diego Costa’s future at the club, according to Dharmesh Sheth.
Lukaku has been heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge in the last few weeks as his situation at Everton remains a constant source of speculation.
However, Costa’s future at Chelsea also seems to be uncertain, with the Spanish forward having been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent months.
And reporter Sheth has claimed that Costa’s situation at Chelsea could have a direct impact on their ability to sign Lukaku from Everton this summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ on Tuesday morning, Sheth said: “The waiting continues – we understand that he [Lukaku] wants to move to Chelsea but is that transfer being held up by Diego Costa?
“Costa has made it clear that the only club he will leave [Chelsea] for is Atletico Madrid and any move there is complicated by their transfer ban [which expires in January 2018].”
Chelsea are believed to be on the lookout for a number of new players this summer, but the Blues have so far only been able to conclude a deal to bring goalkeeper Willy Caballero to the club on a free transfer.
Antonio Conte will be keen to further bolster his squad this summer as he prepares his team for a return to the Champions League next season.
