Inter Milan are reportedly ready to initiate direct discussions with Chelsea over a summer move for striker Romelu Lukaku.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Romelu Lukaku could be closing in on returning to Inter Milan just a year after leaving the Serie A club in favour of Chelsea. Inter are prepared to hold discussions with the Blues over a possible loan deal this summer.
Lukaku returned to Chelsea in a record deal worth €113 million in the 2021 summer transfer window. But the reunion has not gone as planned. The Belgian striker had his reservations about manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and his utility in the German’s system at Chelsea.
Lukaku gave a controversial interview to Sky Italia last December, highlighting his issues with Tuchel’s style of play and how he felt tempted to a return to Inter Milan. The former Manchester United forward expressed disappointment at not being played enough by the Chelsea manager, saying they are “trying to find a middle ground” concerning the system.
However, little improved after the interview as Lukaku eventually finished the season with eight league goals, a massive drop from the 24 strikes he scored for Inter the previous season to help them win the Serie A title.
Inter are now prepared to open direct talks with Chelsea to discuss about Romelu Lukaku and loan deal details. Lukaku has held discussions with Chelsea – but it's now time for direct contact between clubs. ? #CFC
Loan fee, salary and more will be discussed with Inter soon. pic.twitter.com/CNYaJFffyf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2022
Lukaku grew into a fan favourite at Inter after joining them from Manchester United in 2019. In two seasons with the Nerazzurri, he scored 64 goals and provided 16 assists. But Conte’s departure and Inter’s reluctance to offer him a new deal pave the way for his return to Chelsea.
But it now seems that Lukaku could finally be returning to Inter, with some reports claiming that he has already agreed on a €7.5 million-a-year deal with the Serie A giants. As per Romano, Inter will now initiate talks with Chelsea to iron out the details of the loan deal and how the wantaway Belgian forward’s salary will be divided between the two clubs.
Also Read: Three potential Romelu Lukaku replacements for Chelsea
Another report had claimed that Inter are even ready to add Milan Skriniar in any potential move for Lukaku. Chelsea could give such a deal a good think as they are desperately looking for world-class central defenders this summer.
