Mauricio Pochettino opens door to shock Chelsea transfer U-turn

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino could create a huge U-turn by having a discussion withRomelu Lukaku about a possible re-inclusion into the squad, according to reports.

It comes just shortly after other reports claimed that the new head coach had not spoken with the Belgian international since he made an exit his clear intention. Things may have turned out differently for Lukaku at Stamford Bridge a second time round, though plans are never that simple.

The 30-year-old was added to the squad in 2021 for a fee worth roughly £97.5million, adding a proven goal scorer to the ranks after Champions League success. While his early form seemed ideal, a bout of Covid and injuries seriously hindered his ability to kick on and score more.

Eventually, a Sky Italia interview was released in which the striker claimed he would like a return to Inter Milan in his prime, while also hitting out at tactics used by the manager at the time — Thomas Tuchel. The second half of that campaign saw Lukaku used sporadically and an exit followed in the summer with a loan switch to Inter Milan.

Fast forward a year and the experienced striker is back in London, with the Blues still deciding the best way to secure an exit this summer. The Nerazzurri seem unlikely to return, a bid from the Saudi Pro League was rejected by the player and a switch to Juventus is tricky ground to tread due to rivalry links.

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With that in mind, perhaps a stay and integration into the squad is on the cards for Lukaku at Chelsea in the coming weeks. That's because, according to Di Marzio, Pochettino is claimed to be open to speak with the forward this summer about a possible return to