In the last few days, there has been reports that former Nigeria international Michael Emenalo who is Chelsea’ technical director could be relieved of his job. Reports claim Roman Abramovich is not happy with Chelsea’s poor season and believes one of those to be blamed is the Nigerian. But according to a report by The London Evening Standard, the Nigerian’s job is not under any threat and he will be given a chance to work with new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

Chelsea have struggled in most competitions they have entered this season and by the end of March, they had no chance of winning any trophy at all. This was naturally reported not to have gone down well with the Board but instead of sacking Emenalo, he will be given another chance to right his wrongs.

The Nigerian was seen with Antonio Conte on Tuesday at Chelsea’s training complex at Cobham. He is said to have held discussion with Conte and both have discussed the players Chelsea should target in the summer. One of the players that Conte and Emenalo hope to work hand in hand to sign is former Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku who only recently confirmed he could leave Everton this summer should a club bigger than Everton make him an offer.

According to the report, Emenalo was against Chelsea selling Lukaku in 2014 and will be supporting the Blues’ new manager to bring back the Belgian to Stamford Bridge. Lukaku has scored 45 goals for Everton since joining them on a permanent basis in 2014. So far this season, he has scored 26 goals in all competitions for the Merseyside Blues.

Should Lukaku return back to Chelsea, it will be interesting to see how the competition for a starting shirt between the Belgian and Diego Costa pans out. For sure, Lukaku won’t be re-joining Chelsea if he won’t be given a real chance of regular first team football.

Costa could however leave the club this summer as reports have already been linking him to a move back to Atletico Madrid.

Could it be a case of Lukaku in, Diego Costa out?

Contributed by Jens Keinert