ROMELU LUKAKU is a shock transfer target for Aston Villa, according to reports.
The Chelsea striker, 29, was shipped out on loan to Inter Milan for this season despite his £97million transfer in 2021.
Romelu Lukaku could be on his way to Aston Villa this summerGetty
But with that deal ending in the summer, he looks set to be on the move again as the Stamford Bridge club are said to want to sell him.
And Todo Fichajes claim Aston Villa are surprise admirers and considering launching a bid.
Unai Emery’s side sold Danny Ings to West Ham in January, leaving Ollie Watkins as the main striker.
Villa also have Bertrand Traore and Wesley on their books.
But signing Lukaku would add plenty of experience and extra talent into the attack.
Lukaku has 121 goals in 278 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, West Brom, Everton and Manchester United.
The Belgian, though, has expressed his desire to stay put at Inter, where he spent two years from 2019 to 2021, winning Serie A, reaching the Europa League final and scoring 64 goals in 95 games.
He has struggled to hit his top form this term, though, with just five goals in 19 games – including three in the league.
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But as with Villa’s pursuit, attempts by Inter to sign Lukaku permanently could be thwarted by finances.
Ths San Siro giants and Villa Park side may be unable to offer the money both Chelsea and Lukaku the money they want for a transfer.
The Blues will certainly have to take a hit on the £97m outlay two years earlier.
But Lukaku’s current contract in West London sees him earn a whopping £325,000 per week.
Chelsea have no genuine strikers available for the Champions League knockout stages, dumping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while Armando Broja is injured.
Kai Havertz, Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling can all play in a central role, though.