Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly not interested in joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
According to Calciomercato, Chelsea centre-forward Romelu Lukaku is uninterested in reuniting with Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur. The Belgian international has his heart set on a return to Inter Milan but will have to take a big pay cut to make the move.
Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly well-prepared for the upcoming summer transfer window, with manager Antonio Conte set to spend at least another season in London. While a central defender remains their priority, Tottenham are also exploring the possibility of signing a striker.
Conte reportedly wants a reunion with Lukaku, who has had an underwhelming return to Chelsea after two goal-laden seasons at Inter Milan. In Italy, the Belgian striker scored 64 goals in 95 appearances for the Nerazzurri but has suffered a steep decline in form upon returning to Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old could not fit into manager Thomas Tuchel’s system, even openly criticising the Chelsea manager’s approach in an explosive Sky Italy interview in December last year. He eventually finished the season with eight Premier League goals, and 13 overall, which is quite a fall by his standards.
While Lukaku still has four years left on his contract with the Blues, his situation is unlikely to improve if there is not a huge upturn in form. Chelsea have also been linked with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, which could affect Lukaku’s game time again in the upcoming season.
Conte seems to have offered the former Manchester United striker a way out, but the Chelsea forward is not interested in moving to Tottenham with a return to San Siro on his mind. The Serie A giants will have to convince Chelsea quite a bit to get a favourable deal.
As per Calciomercato, the Blues are holding out for a €25 million loan fee, with an obligation of making the move permanent for €75 million to recoup most of the €110 million they paid for him last summer. He also earns a massive €15 million a year in wages, but if Inter come calling, the Chelsea forward is ready to accept a 50% decrease in current wages.
