Chelsea tipped to sanction ‘superstar’ exit amid Kai Havertz claim – pundit
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would be willing to cash in on Romelu Lukaku given the form of Kai Havertz, according to Kevin Phillips.
The ex-Sunderland and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suspects Tuchel has a difficult relationship with Lukaku, 28, at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku scored his 12th goal of the season on Saturday as Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough.
However, a Chelsea source told Football Insider (20 February) that superstar Lukaku is “not happy” in London and wants to leave just seven months after his return.
The Belgium international put pen to paper on a five-year contract upon his £97.5million arrival from Inter Milan last summer.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Lukaku’s future, Phillips said:
“From the outside looking in, it does not look like it is all well in the Chelsea camp in regards to Lukaku.
“There would have to be a sizeable offer on the table for them to let him go though. He’s got a long-term contract there.
“Looking at the relationship between Lukaku and Tuchel, it doesn’t look great.
“I think they would like to cash in if the money is right. When you look at the form of Havertz, I think they can afford to let him go.”
Havertz has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season.
The 22-year-old has contributed 11 goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
In other news, a pundit has shared a ‘massive’ Chelsea manager verdict as Thomas Tuchel stance revealed.