Romelu Lukaku, who Chelsea paid $97 million to sign, is now prepared to leave the club.

The Belgian international's World Cup performance is another thing the Blues are hoping will increase his value.

Seven years after departing from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea acquired Lukaku from Inter Milan during the summer 2021 transfer window.

Lukaku was, however, sent back on a season-long loan to the Italian side after an underwhelming season under Thomas Tuchel.

The former Everton and Manchester United striker scored just 15 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.

And now the Evening Standard is reporting that Lukaku is no longer wanted at Stamford Bridge by new manager Graham Potter.

The Serie A giants paid a loan fee of £6.7 million in the summer and verbally agreed that they could take Lukaku on loan again on the same terms next season.

But Chelsea are looking for suitors for the striker who will sign him on a permanent basis.

The west Londoners want to recoup as much money as possible from the sale of Lukaku and hope that a good World Cup campaign can serve their purpose.