Chelsea Transfer News: Pundit Backs Romelu Lukaku Move, Michy Batshuayi Rumours

Premier League pundit Paul Merson has backed Romelu Lukaku's expected exit from Everton, suggesting a return to Chelsea would benefit the striker.

Writing for the Daily Star, Merson (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) said the Belgium international was correct to reject a new contract offer from the Toffees.

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Merson wrote:

"

Romelu Lukaku is right to say no to a new contract at Everton. I think he was going to sign and then other clubs came in and he changed his mind.

You don't say it's 99 per cent done and then not sign unless someone has got in your ear. I think his head has been turned by a bigger club and he wants to keep his options open.

He's right to do that. He'd fit in well at his old club Chelsea, or even Arsenal. He's done very well at Everton but they get to a certain stage with players and then they leave. ...

They still look a million miles from the top four and I can understand Lukaku questioning their ambition. They talk about a new stadium but you have to go and win something first.

"

While on international duty, the striker hinted his future has already been resolved but that he is not at liberty to divulge any details, per Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws:

Lukaku's first stay at Chelsea did not work out, with a lack of game time stunting his development at Stamford Bridge.

However, since leaving west London permanently in 2014, he has developed into one of the most deadly strikers in Europe, scoring 21 goals in 28 Premier League games this term, including six assists, according to WhoScored.com.

Diego Costa's future at Chelsea beyond the campaign remains unresolved, with the Spain striker admitting he recently considered leaving the club.

Speaking to Spanish radio show El Larguero (h/t Sky Sports), Costa explained his thoughts:

"

In life, anything can happen and I do not close the door to anything. In football you are worth what you are worth when you are good. And why not? But right now I am good at Chelsea. ... I have two years left on my contract and I intend to fulfil them.

But you never know. It's not impossible to reject it because there are things to assess. You have to think about it all. I do not rule out anything. If they come with something for Chelsea and the club tell me to go...I can go to China or elsewhere.

"

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Lukaku would be the perfect replacement for Costa, and if Chelsea could negotiate a huge price from a Chinese Super League club for Costa, they would have the cash ready to tempt Everton.

As manager Antonio Conte decides on his targets, reserve striker Michy Batshuayi could be ready to depart the Premier League leaders.

French magazine France Football (h/t Joe Short of the Express) reported the player is in danger of losing his place in the Belgium squad because of his lack of game time under Conte. Short said the Chelsea boss is "considering offloading Batshuayi in the summer."

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The 23-year-old was even overlooked when Costa missed a game in January amid rumours of a falling-out with Conte, and having failed to start a Premier League this term, the Belgian's future appears bleak in England.

However, Batshuayi has the tools to reinvent himself at a new club, and his age dictates he will get another chance to impress elsewhere.

The striker was excellent during his spell at Olympique de Marseille, and a return to a team of a similar stature would see him start many more games.