ROMELU Lukaku will be given the chance to prove he can be the new Didier Drogba during Chelsea’s pre-season campaign.

Lukaku spent last term on loan at West Bromwich Albion and showed he has the potential to emulate the Ivorian by bagging 17 Premier League goals.

The 20-year-old Belgian excelled under the guidance of Steve Clarke at the Hawthorns and presents a powerful option for returning manager Jose Mourinho.

Clarke, who worked as Mourinho’s assistant during his first stint at Stamford Bridge, is understood have given his former boss rave reviews about the striker.

Mourinho has been convinced and has told Lukaku he will be presented with opportunities as the Blues tour Asia and the United States this summer.

He said: “First of all I want to meet [Lukaku]. I think it is fair that the players are the first ones to know about their future.

“Chelsea invested a lot in them in the past and it is my job to try to extract the best from that investment. Both of them are ready to come and be part of our squad.”

Lukaku, whose build and playing style has drawn comparisons with former Mourinho favourite Drogba, has been chased by Swansea in the past few months.

However, the Belgian is determined to make the grade at Stamford Bridge and has revealed Mourinho has told him he is in his thinking for the forthcoming campaign.

He said: “If I can score a few early on, it can turn into a really good season for me.

“I have had a good conversation with Jose Mourinho, and I know it’s up to me to show I’m worth a place. It is the World Cup next year, and I need to be playing.

“But if I don’t get in the Chelsea team often enough, then I won’t deserve to be in the national squad. I am not afraid of that. I am determined to succeed with Chelsea next season.

“I want to prove myself. People will compare me with Didier Drogba, and he was always my hero. But I am my own man, and I want to be known for what I do.”

Chelsea are still keen to add more firepower this summer and are locked in discussions with Napoli for striker Edinson Cavani.

Cavani is open to a move to London, however Napoli’s £53 million asking price is proving a sticking point, further enhancing Lukaku’s chances of breaking into the Blues team.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest Chelsea news.

Follow me on Twitter .