Antonio Conte has told Chelsea to re-sign Romelu Lukaku even if it means meeting Everton’s £100m valuation, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Lukaku has been earmarked as Conte’s No.1 transfer target this summer but the Chelsea manager has been left frustrated by the club's lack of progress in securing his return.
Chelsea sold Lukaku to Everton for £28m in 2014 and now Ronald Koeman’s side are understood to be demanding a world record fee for the Belgium international, who has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
The Premier League champions have so far been unwilling to make the 24-year-old the most expensive player of all-time but Conte has told the club he wants Lukaku back at Stamford Bridge at any price.
Chelsea’s bargaining hand has not been helped since Conte told Diego Costa to find a new club this summer, but the Italian has made it clear he wants Lukaku starting up front for the Blues next season.
Since moving to Everton, only Harry Kane (75) and Sergio Aguero (70) have scored more Premier League goals than Lukaku (53).
For more stats on Romelu Lukaku, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
