‘It is obvious’ – Chelsea boss Pochettino on Lukaku’s Stamford Bridge future

Mauricio Pochettino says it is “obvious” that Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea career is over.

The 29-year-old joined the west Londoners for a club record £97.5million from Inter Milan in August 2021. But ex-Everton and Manchester United striker Lukaku returned to the Nerazzurri on loan just a season later.

Lukaku headed back to SW6 this summer but he has been left out of Pochettino’s 29-man squad for their pre-season tour in the USA.

Inter and Serie A rivals Juventus have both been linked with a move for him this summer.

Chelsea have signed two new forwards – Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku – in the current window.

“It is an interesting situation,” said Chelsea boss Pochettino. “When this type of decision is [made, it is] because they all agree. The player and club are working hard to try and find the best solution.

“It is obvious the decision had been made on the side of the player also. We act in consequence of the decision. The club and player are in the position they wanted.”

Defender Wesley Fofana has undergone anterior cruciate ligament surgery which is set to rule him out for several months.

The 22-year-old joined from Leicester in a £70m deal but only played 20 times for the Blues last season after suffering a knee injury playing against AC Milan in the Champions League.

“It’s really sad, really bad news,” said Pochettino. “We feel all so sad. All we can do is help him. We know it’s a tough injury but we hope he can be with the team as soon as possible.”

Marc Cucurella has reiterated his desire to stay at Chelsea after a difficult first season with the club following his £62m move from Brighton last summer.

The Spanish attacking full-back, 24, made 33 appearances last season.

“I want to stay at Chelsea – I am very happy here,” said the defender.

“It wasn’t an easy season and it was difficult for all the players. We needed time to adapt.

“You arrive at a big club, you need time to adapt, the results don’t arrive, you feel more pressure and, of course, we are footballer players but we are normal people as well.

“We have problems in our personal lives and people need to understand this as well. This is part of life and these things can improve in the future.”

Ethan Ampadu has completed a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge after signing for Championship side Leeds United.

The versatile defender, who has 43 Wales caps to his name, has made just 12 senior appearances for Chelsea’s first team.

Ampadu, 22, has had loan spells at Venezia, RB Leipzig, Sheffield United and Spezia during his career.

“As a club, the history doesn’t have to be sold,” said Ampadu.

“Everyone knows how big of a club Leeds United is. Obviously, we are now in the position we are in, but we all want more.

“When I spoke with the boss [Daniel Farke], as soon as I got off the phone I knew what I wanted, he really impressed me.

“He told me what he liked about me and where he thinks I can improve as a player. That all helped me choose Leeds United.”