Crouch believes Romelu Lukaku would thrive under Blues manager Thomas Tuchel.
Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a return to Chelsea ever since he left the club in 2014.
Despite only making 15 appearances for the club across a three-year stay, fans knew that he would one day reach his potential, and secretly hoped that he would come back to Stamford Bridge to prove his worth.
Now 28, the Belgian has developed into one of the foremost strikers in the world. His performances under former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte at Inter Milan helped the Nerazzurri to win the Serie A, and Lukaku was named as the league’s most valuable player for his service.
Lukaku has continued his fine form at the European Championships, scoring three goals in his first four appearances to help the Belgians on their way to a quarter-final matchup against Italy.
With Thomas Tuchel keen to add a striker in this summer’s transfer window, the Lukaku to Chelsea links have resurfaced.
The Inter Milan frontman did appear to previously pour cold water on any potential move away from the club by insisting that he is ‘happy’ to stay in Italy, but with the Serie A giants in a desperate financial situation following the pandemic, Chelsea could still test their resolve.
And perhaps surprisingly, former Tottenham and Liverpool forward, Peter Crouch, has told the Blues to move for Lukaku, and has urged the striker to be open to a possible return.
“Romelu Lukaku has to be a target for Premier League clubs, without a doubt,” he told Paddy Power. “Look at the money you’d have to spend to get Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe or even Harry Kane. It would cost a lot less to get Lukaku, yet he’s a banker for Premier League goals.”
The former England international proceeded to say that he wouldn’t bet against Lukaku winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2020, and that Chelsea would be the perfect fit for him heading into the prime of his career.
“The obvious English destination is Chelsea, though. He’d fit in there,” he added. “They’ve got pace, which suits him, willing runners, and they’d have an abundance of ability around him.
“He’s been at Chelsea before and I think he’s got something to prove there. I could see him being a good fit under Thomas Tuchel.”
Crouch concluded by adding that signing Lukaku, or their top target, Erling Haaland, will make Chelsea real contenders for the Premier League title next season.
Thus, the message for the two parties is clear - partner up and you’ll both succeed.
