
Chelsea spent an enormous £97.5 million to sign Romelu Lukaku in August 2021, making him one of the most expensive transfer signings in the club’s history. . But the move didn’t work out for them as the striker failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge with his performances.
The Belgian scored only 15 goals in 44 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign and was subsequently loaned out to Inter Milan last summer.
Injury issues mostly kept him outside earlier in the season, but he hit an impressive run of form towards the end, scoring five goals in his last four Serie A games.
Lukaku has made it clear he wants to stay at Inter but the Italian club’s financial troubles mean he may not have his wish fulfilled.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Nerazzurri are yet to hold talks with Chelsea over the permanent signing of the striker.
Inter will reportedly discuss with the Premier League outfit after their Champions League final with Manchester City.
Lukaku may take a pay cut to extend his stay at San Siro, but Chelsea will want a transfer fee for allowing him to leave.
Transfermarkt values him at €40m, a fee the Nerazzurri will clearly struggle to pay for making the move permanent.
New manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be an admirer of the Belgian but his previous comments about Chelsea could make it very hard for him to return to Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku could end up playing for Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United next season as the two were linked with an interest in the 30-year-old in January.
The two Premier League clubs have the capability of meeting the Blues’ demands but it remains to be seen whether they will revive their interest in him now.
