It's well-documented that the Blues have made some stinking decisions of player exits in the past, having let likes of Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah and Manchester City talisman Kevin de Bruyne leave prematurely, as well as Lukaku, who has scored 160 goals in 286 club games since his 2014 departure.
Now, Chelsea look set to have another chance with the Belgian goal-machine, who is now close to completing his eagerly-awaited return to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season kicking off this weekend.
Here, we take a look at every striker Chelsea have signed since Lukaku left to join Everton back in 2014, and rank them from least to most successful:
. Romelu Lukaku is expected to re-sign for Chelsea this week
Romelu Lukaku is expected to re-sign for Chelsea this week Photo: Marco Luzzani
. 11th - Alexandre Pato
All I can remember about the Brazilian's brief loan period is my sister, on her wedding day, shooting daggers at my father as he, during the speeches, hissed "1-0, Pato!" to me from the top table, as the Brazilian's penalty put Chelsea ahead on his debut. That was one of only two appearances for the Blues. Photo: OLI SCARFF
. 10th - Radamel Falcao
Boy, does Roman Abramovich love a former great who's past their best. You should see him down at Fortnum & Mason food hall on a Sunday evening, raiding the reduced aisle - an absolute fiend. Like a packet of mince starting take on a greyish tinge, the Colombian striker was listless during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, scoring just once in twelve bleak outings. Photo: Alex Livesey
. 9th - Dider Drogba
Alright, calm down! This is the Ivorian legend's long-forgotten, SECOND spell at Stamford Bridge, not the glorious first - hence the low ranking. Returning to the club in 2014, an absolutely knackered looking Drogba scored just seven goals in forty games, before leaving for Montreal Impact the following summer. Photo: Clive Mason
9. 3rd - Tammy Abraham
A youth academy product, Abraham wasn't technically a signing, but he can't really be left out the list. He thrived under Frank Lampard's tenure, scoring 18 goals in his first season at the club. However, Thomas Tuchel, perhaps harshly, phased him out, and he could well leave this summer. Photo: Catherine Ivill
10. 2nd - Olivier Giroud
He was never 'the main man' at Chelsea, but served as a highly-dependable impact substitute for three-and-a-half seasons. He both scored and assisted in the 2019 Europa League Final, and netted six goals in eight matches during the Blues' run to the Champions League title last season. A bit of a hunk, too, it must be said. Photo: David Ramos
11. 1st - Diego Costa
Loathed by every other Premier League side, the fiery Spain international was a force to be reckoned with. He played a key role in two title-winning sides, with his lethal finishing and snarling, terrier-like presence making him an instant hit with Blues fans. Chelsea are still searching for his heir - could Lukaku be the man for the job? Photo: Michael Regan