Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Atletico Madrid interested in Romelu Lukaku; Juventus initiate contact with Antonio Rudiger, and more - 12 March 2022

Chelsea are preparing to welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Blues are third in the Premier League table and want to consolidate their position with a win over the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are interested in Blues striker Romelu Lukaku. Elsewhere, Juventus have initiated contact with defender Antonio Rudiger regarding a summer move.

On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on 12th March 2022:

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Atletico Madrid interested in Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Atletico Madrid are interested in Romelu Lukaku, according to The Hard Tackle via Super Deporte. The Belgian has failed to live up to expectations since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer. Los Rojiblancos are planning to take him to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.

Lukaku was expected to take the Premier League by storm after helping Inter Milan win the Serie A title last season. Unfortunately, the Belgian has blown hot and cold so far. His open courting of Inter Milan has also angered the Stamford Bridge faithful. So the Blues could be tempted to offload their record signing this summer.

The 28-year-old was crucial to Thomas Tuchel's cause at the FIFA Club World this year. Lukaku scored twice to help the Blues win the tournament for the first time. However, the Belgian has failed to hold on to that form, and his lack of consistency has hurt the club. He has scored 11 goals in 31 games across competitions this season and has dropped behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order of late.

However, Atletico Madrid are not concerned by his recent struggles. Manager Diego Simeone is a fan of the 28-year-old and believes Lukaku would be a natural fit for his tactics. The Belgian could look to resurrect his career this summer and could be enticed by a move to the Wanda Metropolitano. A move could materialise this year.

Chelsea are pegged with problems and could be forced to offload players at the end of the season. The 28-year-old is under contract with the London side till 2026. With PSG and Bayern Munich also interested in Lukaku's signature, The Blues are unlikely to let him leave for cheap.

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Juventus initiate contact with Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger could be off to Turin in the summer.

Juventus have initiated contact with Antonio Rudiger, according to The Hard Tackle via Calciomercato. The German defender has been in impeccable form for Chelsea recently. However, his current contract runs out at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old is an indispensable member of Thomas Tuchel's backline at Stamford Bridge. The London giants are eager to tie him down to a new deal. However, talks have not progressed well so far. The Bianconeri are plotting to take advantage of the situation.

The Serie A giants want long-term replacements for Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. The Old Lady have reportedly held conversations with Rudiger and are looking to negotiate his wages. However, Juventus could face competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid for his signature.

Moreover, signing him on a four-year deal will likely cost €55 million in wages and bonuses. He currently earns around €5 million annually in Stamford Bridge and wants to double his wages. He has made 39 of his 188 appearances for the Blues this season. Real Madrid and Manchester United are also in the fray for his services.

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Manchester United have their eyes on Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel could have the chance to take over at Old Trafford,

Manchester United have made Thomas Tuchel their preferred choice for their next manager, according to Football Insider.

The German manager's future hangs in the balance after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government. The decision could severely impact the London giants, so the Red Devils are ready to make the most of the situation.

Manchester United are on the search for their next manager and are looking to appoint a new face this summer.

The Red Devils currently have Erik Ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino among their shortlisted candidates. However, Tuchel's availability has thrown their plans out of the window.

The Old Trafford outfit believe the German manager could be the best candidate for the job. They could fight tooth and nail to convince Tuchel to jump ship this summer.