Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia on personal mission after Romelu Lukaku ‘asks for move’

Tuchel coy when quizzed on Chelsea's Lukaku links

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Chelsea have upped the ante in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku, with reports claiming they are aiming to close the deal before Sunday. The Blues’ interest has progressed quickly, with bids reportedly in the pipeline which would be almost impossible for cash-strapped Inter Milan to turn down.

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta previously labelled Lukaku as ‘untouchable’ this summer, as they attempted to balance the books via alternative means.

The loss of Achraf Hakimi to PSG certainly put a dent in their financial deficit, but more sales were thought to be needed before new boss Simone Inzaghi could make investments of his own.

Lukaku’s strike partner, Lautaro Martinez, was thought to be the most likely to make way, although Chelsea have seemingly responded to that possibility which would have concretely taken the Belgian off the market.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 28-year-old has now asked to leave the Italian giants in what would be a dramatic U-turn on his previous comments.

JUST IN: Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia ‘preparing improved £110m Romelu Lukaku bid’

It was thought that the striker was keen to retain the Serie A title with Inter in what would be a new challenge under Inzaghi.

The frontman has been in the form of his life in Italy, notching 24 league goals on the way to Inter’s first Serie A title since 2010 last campaign.

After a season of dominant performances, he was also rewarded on an individual level with the league’s player of the year award.

Now, it appears as though Lukaku is tempted by Chelsea’s project under Thomas Tuchel, as well as the lucrative wage packet they are prepared to offer.

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The Blues lifted the Champions League trophy back in May, making them an appealing destination for almost any player in Europe.

Not quite appealing enough for Erling Haaland, it seems, who now appears to be staying at Dortmund after Chelsea flirted with the idea of tabling a monumental bid.

That cash is now burning a hole in Roman Abramovich’s pocket, and Fabrizio Romano claims that a £110million bid could soon be on its way to Milan.

The race is on, too, as Tuchel would surely be keen to get a closer look at his potential star man in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup encounter with Villarreal.

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With Lukaku in their ranks, Chelsea would have a top-class attack at their disposal, with Timo Werner waiting in the wings to rediscover his imperious goal-scoring form from his time at RB Leipzig.

More than likely, however, it would signal the end of Tammy Abraham’s time at Stamford Bridge, with both Arsenal and West Ham reportedly keen to take him off Chelsea’s hands.

As the deadline has been set, don’t be surprised to see things progress quickly if transfer chief Marina Granovskaia does launch that mammoth bid in the coming days.

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