ITALIAN giants Juventus have entered the race to sign Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.
The striker’s preference had been a return to Inter Milan after spending last season on loan there.
But the Milan club are struggling financially and that has opened the door for other clubs to swoop in.
Chelsea are hoping to get the striker off their books this summer and had been hopeful of a deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal.
But Juventus have now entered the race according to Sky Sports.
The outlet report that Juve have held talks with Chelsea’s representatives over signing the Belgian international.
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The striker is not part of new manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans despite the club struggling for reliable strikers – and it is understood they will be in the market for a new forward this summer.
Lukaku struggled to make a positive impression during the first half of last season at Inter after struggling with injury.
The forward returned 10 goals and six assists in the Serie A in 25 appearances – despite many of these appearances coming from the bench.
It’s been a busy summer for departures at Chelsea after kicking things off by sending Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy packing to Saudi Arabia.
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They have since focused on shifting players to domestic teams with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount joining Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Christian Pulisic is expected to follow Ruben Loftus-Cheek in joining AC Milan with the two clubs agreeing a £19million deal according to The Athletic.
Meanwhile Pochettino was asked about how his move to Chelsea will effect his relationship with Spurs fans during his first press conference as Chelsea manager yesterday.
He said: “I don’t believe that the fans will change but what can they do? Nothing.
“For me it is about being focused on trying to do my job here. What can I say or do if that happens [Spurs fans hating him] It’s up to them to keep or not the feelings they were feeling in the past.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
