Conte prioritises former Chelsea striker in search for frontman

Chelsea will step up their interest to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku in the coming weeks, reports the London Evening Standard. 

Lukaku is widely expected to leave the Toffees this summer and has no shortage of interested parties following another notable campaign, where he netted 25 league goals. 

Manchester United had been linked with a move for the Belgium international, but it’s believed Chelsea are leading the race to sign the powerful frontman. 

Any move for Lukaku would likely see the Blues cool their rumoured interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. 

Chelsea had been heavily linked with a move for the Spain international, with Conte a huge admirer of Morata having signed him for Juventus before taking over as Italy head coach. 

The Real Madrid man had been tracked by Chelsea since last summer, but Lukaku offers the additional appeal of a homegrown player ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League following their Premier League title win. 

Lukaku, 24, moved to Chelsea from Anderlecht in 2011, yet failed to make an impact for the Blues and was sent on loan to West Brom and Everton, with the latter signing him permanently in 2014. 

The Belgian has previously stated that he has “unfinished business” at Chelsea and it’s thought that the west London side are leading the race to secure his services.

For more stats on Romelu Lukaku, click here to view his WhoScored player page