Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has, on Thursday, provided a brief insight into the future of Romelu Lukaku beyond next summer.
The name of Belgian international Lukaku, of course, stole the headlines in west London throughout the early weeks of the summer transfer window.
This came as the hitman made clear to the powers that be at Chelsea that his heart was set on a departure from Stamford Bridge, less than 12 months on from sealing a club record return.
Lukaku, in turn, ultimately saw his wish granted, linking back up with Serie A giants Inter Milan for the 2022/23 campaign.
And yet, as things stand, the one-time Everton standout’s long-term future remains altogether up in the air. Inter’s loan agreement with Chelsea does not feature an option to buy, meaning another underwhelming year in front of goal could see the Premier League giants left in a difficult position when it comes to their striker’s future.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 17: Romelu Lukaku reacts to a missed chance during The FA Cup Semi-Final match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on April 17, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Thomas Tuchel was therefore unsurprisingly drawn on the subject of Lukaku’s future.
During an interview with Sky Sports, the German tactician was pressed specifically on whether his on-loan hitman could ultimately go on to line out in Chelsea’s colours once more.
And though he admitted that such a prospect may not be all that ‘likely’, Tuchel refused to definitively close the door on Lukaku’s Blues stint:
“Given the fact he’s just on loan, of course there’s a chance.”
“I don’t know if it’s very likely, but it’s not on me to give an outlook on that. There is a chance for it.”
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