Chelsea are claimed to be moving a step closer to resolving Romelu Lukaku’s future.
The striker returned to Stamford Bridge as the club’s record signing in 2021 but a controversial Sky Italia interview and a frustrating eight league goals led the Blues to loan him back to Inter Milan last season. Lukaku scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in his second spell with the Italian side, who finished third, won the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final.
Inter are keen to sign the Belgian for a third time but have already seen their opening offer rejected. Chelsea are said to be targeting a resolution before they set off for their USA pre-season tour net week and there could be promising signs on the horizon.
READ: New signings involved, youngsters' chance - Mauricio Pochettino oversees Chelsea training
Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Inter are ‘preparing a new offer’ for Lukaku, believed to be up to €35million (£29.7million). For his part, it is stated that the 30-year-old striker has prioritised a return to the San Siro over more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.
It is further suggested that Lukaku will not be attending a scheduled meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss his future with Chelsea. Di Marzio claims that the Belgium international has already reached a ‘mutual agreement’ that he will not be returning to play for Chelsea in the upcoming season.
When asked for his thoughts about Lukaku in his opening press conference as Chelsea boss last week, Mauricio Pochettino said : “The situation, all the parts know what we think. I think in that case, he needs to come back the 12th, or 13th into the squad for the start of pre-season.
“Like with all of the players, the first thing they do when they arrive is to come to my office and see me. That is what I expect if he is still a Chelsea player.”
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...
