Chelsea 'rule out' Romelu Lukaku option as Mauricio Pochettino plans Stamford Bridge goodbye

The 2023/24 Premier League season may have only just finished but that hasn't stopped activity from taking place at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Chelsea have already replaced Mauricio Pochettino, who departed after just one season in charge of the Blues, and new coach Enzo Maresca has wasted no time in announcing his arrival in West London having already added Tosin Adarabioyo to the club's ranks.

Here, football.london looks at the latest news and rumours surrounding the Blues.

Blues name Romelu Lukaku price

According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea will only consider a permanent deal for Romelu Lukaku this summer.

The 31-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie A - with AS Roma and Inter Milan respectively - after falling out of favour under Thomas Tuchel following a £97.5m transfer back to Stamford Bridge in August 2021.

Lukaku has two years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will reportedly demand a fee of £38m to let the Belgian international leave the club this summer, with a third loan deal in as many seasons seemingly ruled out.

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FL says: It is little surprise that Chelsea want to recoup some of the £97.5m they paid for Lukaku nearly three years ago, as well as shifting his hefty wages off the books.

Since Lukaku re-signed for the club in 2021, there has been a change of ownership and an influx of new players, so recouping some money for Lukaku feels like a logical step for the Blues as they try to adhere to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Mauricio Pochettino set for Chelsea return

Mauricio Pochettino will return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the first time since leaving Chelsea last month.

The 52-year-old Argentine left the club at the end of the season after an end-of-season meeting with the club's owners. During his one season at the helm, Pochettino oversaw Chelsea's return to Europe as they finished sixth in the Premier League.

On Sunday, he will manage World XI in Soccer Aid's yearly charity football match that raises funds for UNICEF.

FL says: Sunday's game will allow Pochettino the opportunity to say goodbye to Stamford Bridge properly, an experience he was robbed of seeing as he left the club unexpectedly at the end of the season.

The 52-year-old has already posted on his Instagram to say he is looking forward to returning to West London and the opportunity to thank the fans.

Of course, the night will be remembered for the funds that are raised for children around the world but for Pochettino, it will be a nice moment of closure for him after his shock exit.