With the new Premier League season just a few days away, European Champions Chelsea could kick off their campaign without a striker as their desperate hunt for one continues.

Though manager Thomas Tuchel has identified Borussia Dortmund's wonderkid and prolific hitman Haaland as the player who fits the bill, luring him away from Germany has proven difficult.

Haaland scored 27 goals and registered six assists in 28 appearances for Dortmund the last season

Chelsea have seen previous bids for the 21-year-old rejected by Dortmund.

The German side want a price fee exceeding 150 million euros for Haaland.

Chelsea were said to have haggled for 130 million euros (their latest bid) for the Norwegian, but that was rejected.

Excluding penalty kicks, when compared to Lukaku's 47.2 percent shot on target rating in 36 Serie matches, Haaland registered 52.2 percent in the Bundesliga.

However, as it stands, Dortmund want to hold on to Haaland.

Reports suggest that they're willing to turn down any future bids for the 21-year-old and have warned Chelsea to back off.

With Haaland now out of reach, the bigwigs at Chelsea have decided to turn their attention back to Serie A winner Romelu Lukaku.

Last season, Lukaku led Inter Milan to their first Serie A title in 10 years

Reports floating around say Chelsea are attempting a fresh bid for the Belgium international and Inter striker.

However, it's unclear how they will convince Lukaku to leave Inter after he endured a difficult long spell in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea man has said he's happy in Italy with Inter.

Nevertheless, with Dortmund keened on tying Haaland down for another season, Chelsea are reconsidering lodging another bid for Lukaku.

Chelsea's rekindled interest in Lukaku

Frankly, it's going to be hard to convince Lukaku to make a switch back to London, especially back to Chelsea — his first Premier League club.

The Belgium international endured a frustrating first spell with the Blues when he joined from Belgium side Anderlecht in 2011, making just eight appearances that season before he was shipped off to West Brom.

Lukaku has made it clear he's very happy at Inter and doesn't fancy returning to the Premier League.

Though reports suggest Inter may be willing to accept a bid north of 80 million pounds for Lukaku given their financial crisis, still, his return to Chelsea will depend on whether the Belgian can forget his horrible first spell at the club and make the switch back to Stamford Bridge again.

Last season, Lukaku led Inter to their first Serie A title in 10 years, smashing 24 goals in 36 appearances.

Just like Haaland, he's a player who fits Tuchel's pressing style of football, both on paper and the field.

However, with Haaland out of Chelsea's sight until next summer when they can buy him cheaper, they'll need all the strategy at their disposal to convince Lukaku to sign for them again.