Thomas Tuchel thinks that new Chelsea signing Romelu Lukaku is the “perfect addition” to his squad, while he’s issued a transfer update on Tammy Abraham.
Lukaku re-signed for the west London outfit yesterday from Inter Milan for a club-record fee, believed to be £97.5million.
The Belgium international scored 24 goals for the Nerazzurri on their way to their first Scudetto in 11 years.
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On signing Lukaku, Tuchel told reporters: “We’re very happy to have Romelu back in our squad. In terms of personality, speed, power, he can hopefully be an excellent addition for us.
“He has the power, he has the physique to help us. He has the experience and personality to have a huge impact. At the same time, he’s a humble guy and a true team player. He cares about Chelsea, so we all decided it was worth trying and fighting hard – and we’re happy that he’s our player now.
“He was super hungry to come back to Chelsea, he did everything he could to make it happen. He had a huge impact at Inter Milan, he was a huge player with all the responsibility on his shoulders and a big title for Inter last season, so it was actually very important to us that it was his desire to re-join Chelsea and to finish his story and his project at Chelsea in the way that he wants.”
Welcome home, @RomeluLukaku9. 💙#LukWhosBack pic.twitter.com/P43CAIVqfU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2021
The Chelsea boss added: “We have a strong bond and team mentality to help each other. We think Romelu, having always had Chelsea in his heart, is the perfect addition to our group. He embodies all that we’re proud of at this club.
“We spoke on the phone. Right now, he’s following protocol and quarantining for a few more days.
“Last season, we came fourth, not second, so there some bridges to be built to close the gaps. We had a very strong half a season with the group with a fantastic ending and now a very exciting start with a trophy at the beginning.
“We were looking for a certain profile and Romelu fits it. He likes to play physical, he’s comfortable playing with his back towards the goal, but he’s also very, very strong in using his speed and pace.
“Romelu has a variety of strengths. He’s strong in the air, he’ll give us a new power when we cross from the side. We don’t have to change our style of play to make him shine. He has a charisma, he is a good age, he’s a leader. Hopefully he can be a leader in our group.”
Abraham is one player who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with both Arsenal and Roma understood to be interested.
Tuchel continued: “There are always possibilities that players will leave us, especially in the same position – Romelu Lukaku arriving obviously affects Tammy. It’s been discussed, we’ve spoken about it many times, but at the moment there is no news about Tammy.
“He is our player, he’s in the squad for tomorrow, he has the chance to play and be decisive for Chelsea – that’s the focus. After that, we’ll see where the situation is and what Tammy wants. Right now, the focus is the next game and there is no news.”