Chelsea news: Romelu Lukaku replacement identified as Declan Rice bid readied

Chelsea have been told they have a ready-made replacement for Romelu Lukaku following the Belgian striker's controversy-hit second spell at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku's future at Chelsea is up in the air after comments he made earlier in the season where he revealed that he was unhappy working under manager Thomas Tuchel and that he would like to return to his former club Inter Milan.

Following the controversial interview, Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, but concerns over his potential ability to adapt to life in the Premier League have left them in transfer limbo.

That has led to claims the Blues could have a Lukaku replacement already on the books at the club as they prepare for the summer transfer window, when they could make an offer for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

Here are latest Chelsea headlines.

Chelsea's search for a top-class striker has left them facing a transfer limbo.

Coach Thomas Tuchel asked the club's chiefs to sign him a new centre-forward last summer, and they duly delivered with the £97.5million acquisition of Romelu Lukaku.

But the striker's second stint at the club has not quite worked out as expected and the Blues are now once again assessing their options ahead of the next transfer window.

Erling Haaland and even Tammy Abraham have been linked – but the Blues must now weigh up their options and decide what the best course of action is.

Read the full story here.

One player who could be a perfectly able replacement for Romelu Lukaku is already at the club – Armando Broja.

The 20-year-old is currently enjoying a very productive spell on the south coast, where he is spending the season on loan at Premier League side