"Major Shake-Up at Stamford Bridge: Key Departures and Exciting Additions in Chelsea's Pre-Season"

 

Chelsea's head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has affirmed that Romelu Lukaku will depart Stamford Bridge this summer, as the striker is not part of the club's plans for the 2023-24 season.

The 30-year-old returned to the Blues in a £97.5m deal from Inter Milan in the summer of 2021. However, he struggled to make an impact during the 2021-22 campaign, netting only 15 goals in 44 appearances.

Lukaku spent last summer on loan at Inter, making 37 appearances and contributing 14 goals and seven assists.

The Belgian international had been in discussions about rejoining Inter, but the Italian club has reportedly lost interest after learning that the striker was also in talks with Juventus.

There are also indications of significant interest from Saudi Arabian clubs in Lukaku, and it has now been officially confirmed that he will be departing Chelsea this summer.

Pochettino told reporters, "It is the club's decision, and of course, it's an intriguing situation. When such a decision is made, it's because everyone is in agreement. The player and the club are working diligently to find the best solution."

"It's obvious that the player has also made his decision. We are acting accordingly. The club and the player are aligned in their position."

Lukaku has not joined Chelsea's squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, as he aims to secure an exit in the forthcoming weeks.

The forward initially joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in 2011, but his first stint at Stamford Bridge was disappointing, as he failed to score in 15 appearances.

Meanwhile, there are rumors of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's imminent departure from Chelsea, with talks reportedly underway with Marseille for the experienced forward's move.

Chelsea has made four attacking additions this summer, with Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Diego Moreira, and Angelo Gabriel joining the club.

Concurrently, several players have departed, including Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu, N'Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Baba Rahman.

Chelsea is set to commence their preparations for the upcoming season with a friendly match against Wrexham on Wednesday night, followed by encounters against Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, Fulham, and Borussia Dortmund.

Pochettino's team is gearing up for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 13.