Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has urged Romelu Lukaku to remain at Inter Milan next season despite the departure of the coach that signed him, Antonio Conte.
The coronavirus pandemic has harmed Inter Milan's finances and the Italian champions are looking to balance their books by selling one of their top players.
Lukaku was first linked with a return to Chelsea in 2017, at at time when Conte was managing the Blues, but the physical and powerful striker ended up joining Manchester United.
Ikpeba is worried about the Belgium star returning to Stamford Bridge, noting that Chelsea strikers struggle to score goals.
In truth, Lukuku damaged his reputation in his time at Chelsea, from 2011-2014, scoring no goals in fifteen appearances and struggled to break into the starting lineup, leading to loan spells at West Brom and Everton, where he flourished.
Speaking on SuperSport Monday Night Football, Ikepba said : "I have my reservations, Lukaku has done well with Inter Milan, why not stick with Inter Milan, he's getting used to Italian football.
"Coming back to Chelsea we all know how strikers do labour to score goals in Chelsea, especially the manner they play.
"If he doesn't get the ball often, the crosses, I am worried about Lukaku returning if he comes back to Chelsea.
"Is he coming because of money? Sometimes we have to look at those areas.
"He has been outstanding since he left Manchester United to Inter Milan, they just won the Serie A which is great for him and he just lost his manager, Conte who has left the club.
"There's a lot of speculation but if he really wants to do what players want to do, go out there and be successful with another club, why not? But it's going to be a massive challenge for Lukaku."
"Coming back to Chelsea we all know how strikers do labour to score goals in Chelsea, especially the manner they play.
"If he doesn't get the ball often, the crosses, I am worried about Lukaku returning if he comes back to Chelsea.
"Is he coming because of money? Sometimes we have to look at those areas.
"He has been outstanding since he left Manchester United to Inter Milan, they just won the Serie A which is great for him and he just lost his manager, Conte who has left the club.
"There's a lot of speculation but if he really wants to do what players want to do, go out there and be successful with another club, why not? But it's going to be a massive challenge for Lukaku."
1996 Olympics gold medalist, Ikpeba, who really made his name at Monaco, turned out for Belgian clubs RFC Liege and Charleroi during his playing days.
Igho Kingsley
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