Tuchel comments on Zouma's Chelsea future amid West Ham links
Chelsea have received fresh hope in their pursuit of former striker Romelu Lukaku, despite Inter Milan rejecting an £85million transfer bid which also included left-back Marcos Alonso.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants a new forward to supplement his current attacking options having seen his side misfire last term.
Chelsea sensationally lifted the Champions League and stormed up the Premier League table following Tuchel’s arrival in January, but none of their players shouldered the goal-scoring responsibility.
A stat which is likely to have worried the German is that midfielder Jorginho was Chelsea’s highest scorer in the top-flight but all seven of his strikes were penalties.
Tuchel believes that his best team would likely be close to completion if he had an elite striker.
The £47m signing Timo Werner struggled during his first campaign in England football, scoring just six times.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Lukaku signed from Anderlecht 10 years ago this summer having just turned 18.
He made just 15 appearances for the club and failed to score, instead earning his reputation as a prolific striker during loan spells at West Brom and Everton.
A permanent move to Everton followed in 2014, and he has since had a spell with Manchester United before signing for Inter in 2019.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals than Lukaku in Serie A last season as the Belgian helped the Nerazzurri win the Italian top-flight title for the first time since their all-conquering 2010 team.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox?Head over hereto find out more and secure your copy.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is hopeful of completing a Lukaku transfer (Image: GETTY)
However, Inter have already suffered a difficult summer. There have been a couple of high-profile departures and the club might be braced for further exits.
Antonio Conte departed almost immediately after helping them win the league, while marauding wing-back Achraf Hakimi has joined Paris Saint-Germain’s rebuild for around £54m.
Lukaku could be the next key name to leave but Chelsea must first increase their offer.
He would be the Blues’ first major signing of the summer transfer window, with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy instead focusing on raising funds through departures.