Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

Mauricio Pochettino makes controversial striker transfer decision as Chelsea plot £300m overhaul

Ian Wright believes Mauricio Pochettino could give Romelu Lukaku a second chance at Chelsea. The former Tottenham boss has been heavily linked with filling the manager vacancy at Stamford Bridge in the summer and, as talks progress, his idea of the Blues' perfect frontline has become increasingly clear.

Lukaku, who joined Chelsea for £97.5million two-years ago, has featured 21 times for Inter Milan in the Serie A this season, directly contributing towards 11 goals. While the 29-year-old striker hasn't necessarily impressed on loan at the Nerazzurri, he could be given a lifeline in west London if Pochettino is appointed head coach.

Speaking on his podcast, Wright insisted that Lukaku has 'unfinished business' at Chelsea. The former Arsenal striker said: "The word on the street is that Mauricio Pochettino wants him back.

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino has already told Chelsea 'perfect' $151m Declan Rice transfer stance

"He’s got unfinished business here, he’s got massive unfinished business here. If I was him, I would love to know I’m going back there and I can shut a few people up. He’s got to do that. He owes it to himself to try."

However, Wright doesn't believe that Chelsea will stop there. The 59-year-old claimed that the Blues will try their luck in the race to sign Victor Osimhen.

"I wonder where he’s going to end up?" said Wright. "It wouldn’t surprise me if it was Chelsea. Chelsea are going to try and get him I think."

According to Italian publication Il Mattino, Napoli are expected to demand £150million for the Osimhen's signature this summer in a bid to deter interest and retain his services. While his price tag could discourage some clubs, Chelsea are in desperate need of a prolific striker.

The west Londoners have seriously struggled to replace Didier Drogba, with only Diego Costa and Olivier Giroud coming close to emulating the Ivorian's role. With Christopher Nkunku expected to join Chelsea in the summer for around £52million, Pochettino's frontline next season could cost an eye-watering £299.5million.

Another candidate to lead the line at Stamford Bridge under the Argentine's stewardship is Harry Kane. Speaking on talkSPORT, Dean Ambrose predicted the Spurs captain to reunite with his former boss.

"I think it’s his last season, last few games at Spurs. When there was talk of Mauricio Pochettino coming to Spurs I said maybe Harry Kane could sign a contract at Spurs, because we know the relationship they have got.

"But he’s on the verge of signing for Chelsea I now can’t say he definitely won’t go there. He has a very good relationship, we all know that.

"He loves Mauricio Pochettino. I can envisage him going there, I can, I can see that being a club he would go to, I can see him staying in London as well."

READ NEXT:

Chelsea's £35m maverick transfer is perfect Raheem Sterling solution for Mauricio Pochettino

Man United Qatar takeover paves way for Chelsea to sign Neymar to begin Mauricio Pochettino era

What Chelsea fans have planned for Thiago Silva in special tribute during Nottingham Forest clash

Chelsea can complete free transfer for Mauricio Pochettino first signing after big announcement

Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.