Chelsea ready to use Raheem Sterling as perfect Romelu Lukaku replacement amid Serge Gnabry blow

Serge Gnabry has dealt Chelsea with a major transfer blow as Bayern Munich agreed to new terms to keep the German in Bavaria. The Blues had been linked with the winger after negotiations with Ousmane Dembele fell through as the Frenchman decided to stick with Barcelona for another two years.

Chelsea currently have an array of attacking options, so does this Gnabry saga really have a negative effect on Thomas Tuchel's rebuild? Romelu Lukaku was the first player out of the door once the transfer window opened in June.

It was to be expected as the Belgian struggled in his first year back at Stamford Bridge. Instead of hunting for a like-for-like replacement, the Blues opted for the versatile Raheem Sterling to join their attack - indicating that Timo Werner could be around for another season.

In only adding Raheem Sterling to the team, Thomas Tuchel could be happy with the selection of players that he already has. Kai Havertz has shown glimpses of becoming a prolific goal scorer, and Werner has improved his game since his initial season at the club. The question now is, will this be enough to compete with Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez in the upcoming season?

Sitting down with the media in Los Angeles ahead of Chelsea's pre-season fixture, Tuchel spoke about his options in attack.

"At the moment, we have Timo (Werner) as a nine, we have Kai (Havertz) as a nine, we have Michy Batshuayi as a number nine, we have Armando Broja as a nine, Raheem Sterling as a nine, maybe, and let's see how things work out.

"I think, right now, there is not the first priority to get another big striker in. I think we have enough intensity, goalscoring ability, and mobility to compensate. We go from there. We need to focus on different areas