Chelsea FC sign Romelu Lukaku in club-record £97.5m deal as Thomas Tuchel lands striker

Alex Young @alexwsyoung12 August 2021

Romelu Lukaku has completed a sensational return to Chelsea in a club-record £97.5million move from Inter Milan.

The striker returns to Stamford Bridge seven years after leaving for Everton for less than a third of the price, going on to play for Manchester United before moving to Italy.

Lukaku, who has signed a five-year contract worth around £212,000 a week, is not expected to be involved this weekend as Chelsea begin the Premier League season against Crystal Palace.

A move looked unlikely just over a week ago with Inter Milan adamant, despite their financial struggles, that their prizes asset would not be sold. However, Chelsea's huge bid and Lukaku's willingness to go saw Inter cash in.

Thomas Tuchel identified a true goalscorer as his priority this summer, with Erling Haaland his - and many others' - no1 target. However, Borussia Dortmund were able to command a fee north of £150m so Chelsea turned to a familiar face.

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