Chelsea reportedly turned down the chance to sign Robert Lewandowski, instead opting to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku became the club’s record signing on Thursday night, when he signed from Inter Milan in a deal worth £97.5million.
The Belgian’s arrival marked the end of a long striker search for Thomas Tuchel, who was desperate to add a natural goalscorer to his Champions League-winning squad.
A number of names have been linked during the transfer chase, including Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich talisman Lewandowski.
Earlier this summer there was speculation that the Poland international was on the lookout for a fresh challenge, having won everything on offer during his time at the Allianz.
Chelsea were quickly touted as a potential suitor, due to their need for a true focal point to lead the line.
And according to BILD journalist Christian Falk (via Goal), Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi offered the striker to Chelsea, only for the Premier League side to refuse to meet the €80m asking price.
It is claimed that Blues bosses were unwilling to dish out that kind of fee for a 32-year-old, with Lukaku seen as a more long-term option being four years his junior.
Speaking after signing his five-year contract, Lukaku believes he has returned to the club a much more mature player than the one which left in 2014.
“I’m happy and blessed to be back at this wonderful club,” he told the club’s official site. “It’s been a long journey for me: I came here as a kid who had a lot to learn, now I’m coming back with a lot of experience and more mature.
“The relationship I have with this club means so much to me, as you know. I have supported Chelsea as a kid and now to be back and try to help them win more titles is an amazing feeling.
“The way the club is going fits my ambitions perfectly at 28 and just coming off winning Serie A.
“I think this opportunity comes at the right time and hopefully we can have a lot of success together.”
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “Romelu Lukaku is quite simply one of the world’s best strikers and goalscorers.
"We are absolutely delighted to be bringing him back to the club he loves, and are excited to be adding his talent to our Champions League-winning squad.
“We are of course looking to build on last season’s success, and Lukaku will play a big role in achieving our targets.
“I’m sure all Chelsea fans will join me in saying welcome home, Romelu!”
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