Young striker to go on loan again.
Chelsea could loan out young striker Romelu Lukaku for a third season in a row as Atletico Madrid eye a replacement for Stamford Bridge-bound Diego Costa, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Spanish champions are facing a potentially difficult summer after their sensational title win in La Liga has merely seen their best players become transfer targets for Europe’s big spenders, with Costa already believed to be close to sealing a £32m move to Chelsea.
The likes of Filipe Luis, Miranda and Koke could all follow in the coming months, but manager Diego Simeone seemingly has Lukaku in his sights as he eyes new additions upfront.
The Belgian international, currently away with his national side at this summer’s World Cup, has just spent the last two seasons on loan away from the Blues, first at West Bromwich Albion in 2012/13 and then at Everton the following year, impressing greatly on both occasions.
A number of top clubs are now being linked with the talented 21-year-old, whom Chelsea have reportedly valued at around £35m, though Atletico hope that their deal to sell Costa to Jose Mourinho’s side can see them land Lukaku on a season-long loan deal.
Another young Belgian on the books at Chelsea, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, has also spent time with Atletico Madrid, making three loan moves to the club in the last three seasons.
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