Less than a year after returning to Chelsea for a club-record £97.5million, Romelu Lukaku could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge for a second time. 

Having rejoined the Blues from Inter Milan last August, the Belgium international has been linked with a move to the other side of the San Siro divide. 

But could he really be lining up for AC Milan next season? Or is there still hope for his Chelsea career? 

Ahead of the Blues' clash at Manchester United tonight, we take a look at what might lie ahead for Lukaku.

Stamford Bridge struggles

With four goals in the first four appearances of his second Chelsea spell, Lukaku initially appeared to be the solution to the Blues' long-standing need for a reliable striker. 

But evidently, things have not worked out over the course of the season for the 28-year-old, who now looks like a record-breaking flop. 

Currently without a goal in over six hours of Premier League football, Lukaku has lost his place to Timo Werner — the man who he was ostensibly brought in to replace.

Sowing the seeds

In the eyes of many, Lukaku sowed the seeds for a departure months ago.

During an interview last December, which provoked the wrath of boss Thomas Tuchel, he said: "Physically I'm doing great. I'm just not very happy with the situation, but that's normal. 

"I think [Tuchel] has decided to play a different formation, but I have to stick at it and get on with it professionally. 

"I'm not happy with the situation, but it's my job and I mustn't give up." 

While Chelsea's No9 did go on to apologise for his controversial comments, they have undoubtedly raised some questions about his commitment to the cause.

The man for Milan?

Currently top of Serie A, AC Milan could end up winning their first league title for 11 years. 

But they have an ageing strike pairing in 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 35-year-old Olivier Giroud. 

Therefore, it is not hard to see why the Rossoneri may be interested in Lukaku — especially when he is a proven goalscorer in Italy's top flight, finding the net 47 times during his two campaigns with their bitter rivals Inter. 

Would the Milan faithful take a while to warm to Lukaku, given his former affiliation with their arch-rivals? 

Quite possibly. However, he would not be the first high-profile forward to feature for the Rossoneri after previously turning out for the Nerazzurri. 

Ronaldo, Hernan Crespo and even Ibrahimovic have all played for Milan after donning Inter's black and blue shirt.

Money matters

Landing Lukaku is likely to be considerably easier said than done though — for Milan or most other would-be buyers. 

Even if he were to be made available for less than the £97.5m Chelsea spent to re-sign him, the Antwerp native is reportedly earning as much as £450,000 a week.

While a rumoured takeover could give Milan a summer transfer budget of more than £250m, those wages would surely still prove a significant stumbling block.

Room for redemption

No one can deny Lukaku has failed to live up to his price tag — but perhaps Chelsea should not give up on him so quickly.

After all, his struggles this term have partly been down to factors outside of his control, having been misused as a target man as well as suffering rhythm-disrupting injuries. 

Ultimately, it may come down to how much of a financial hit the Blues — who will hope to be under new ownership by the time the transfer window opens — are willing to take.

Lukaku's hefty fee may yet prove the factor which buys him more time to turn things around.