Chelsea are planning a swoop for Liverpool forward Christian Benteke if they miss out on re-signing the Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Daily Mail reports.
Lukaku joined the Toffees with a £28 million transfer fee from Stamford Bridge in 2014, but since the Blues failed to insert a buy-back clause to the deal, Roman Abramovich would have to break the bank to meet Everton’s huge £65m asking price for the star striker.
The former Anderlecht man has reportedly decided the club he’s heading to, but is keeping it as a secret until the start of this summer’s Euro 2016 in France.
Whether Lukaku is reluctant of making a return to West London, the Blues are preparing to turn for another Belgium international – a much cheaper choice as well – Liverpool striker Christian Benteke.
Despite having a strong start to his first season in the Reds kit, the 25-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the best time at Anfield following his £32.5m move from Aston Villa.
During the last Premier League campaign Benteke was able to hit the net only 9 times in 29 outings, which was much less than expected following his big money move from Villa Park.
Chelsea are keen to ensure that Diego Costa will star the wounded Chelsea team next season, as the Atletico Madrid target is reportedly keen on fighting for his place under the incoming Antonio Conte.
However the club are prepared to see the Atleti manager Diego Simeone pile a huge bid for the Brazil-born Spain international and will therefore need to settle a back-up for the 27-year-old in the meantime.
