Chelsea set to axe TWELVE stars in major summer transfer cull to make room for top target… but Romelu Lukaku could stay

CHELSEA will look to flog as many as TWELVE first team stars this summer as they aim to trim their bloated squad, according to reports.

But Romelu Lukaku could be handed a shock lifeline to STAY at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian striker returned to Chelsea in a £97.5million deal two years ago, but went back to Inter Milan on loan last summer following an underwhelming season.

Lukaku, 30, wants to stay at Inter long-term, but it's unlikely that the Serie A side will be able to pay what the Blues would want for the for him.

And, according to the , Chelsea are "happy to work with" Lukaku again next season.

New boss Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to bring the striker back into the fold at Stamford Bridge.

Although if Chelsea receive a high enough bid, they would still likely sell.

While Inter is his priority, reports claim that Lukaku's representatives have also met with Saudi chiefs ahead of a potential switch to the Middle East.

Lukaku bagged 10 goals in Serie A this term, and could follow the likes of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.

Pochettino, 51, is set to meet with Blues transfer chiefs this week to determine the futures of many of his players.

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And it could be the end at the Bridge for 12 stars.

Mateo Kovacic has admitted that he fancies something new, with Manchester City attempting to sew up a deal for the Croatian.

Two-time Player of the Year Mason Mount wants to join Manchester United, while Kai Havertz has been linked with Real Madrid.

Chelsea are set to ask potential suitors to fork out £50m for Conor Gallagher, while out-of-contract N'Golo Kante is on the brink of moving to Saudi Arabia.

First team outcasts Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy are likely to be shown the door.

While Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also likely to leave, having been in talks with AC Milan.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ian Maatsen and Nathan Baxter, who all spent last season out on loan, are expected to have to find new clubs.

Chelsea's transfer cull could make room for top target Moises Caicedo.

The Blues are infatuated with the Brighton midfielder, but face stiff competition from Arsenal.

Seagulls chiefs turned down a £70m bid from the Gunners in January, although Caicedo is expected to be allowed to leave The Amex this summer.