Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that the next steps for Romelu Lukaku are unclear as a decision regarding his future looks set to roll on into the summer. The Belgian's return to Italy hasn't gone as planned since moving on loan but still remains more comfortable there than in England.
Having moved from Inter to Chelsea in 2021 he only lasted one season of a five year deal before being shipped back to San Siro after a car crash of a campaign. After just three months he had fractured the dressing room at Stamford Bridge with an interview that undermined Thomas Tuchel, causing unrest for much of the rest of the season.
With Tuchel still in charge Lukaku had no immediate future in London, especially after making it clear he preferred Milan anyway. The circumstances at Stamford Bridge have certainly changed, with Tuchel no longer around, but the chances of the Belgian playing for the Blues next season still looks low.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly hands Graham Potter 'sacking timeline' as Chelsea dressing room question 'concerned'
It is not only hard to say who the manager will be next season as Graham Potter faces his own serious test but there is also no clear indication of which squad members may remain. Lukaku is close with Hakim Ziyech but the Moroccan international was close to leaving in January and is expected to move on come the end of the season.
This all leaves the future very clouded and Marotta has explained that even now it is too soon to know what is next for Lukaku. “Lukaku to stay also next year? It’s too early to decide, he will return to Chelsea and we will see what’s next," he told Sky Italia.
The initial season long loan for Lukaku hasn't been smooth. Plagued by fitness worries and injuries he has played just 15 games and scored four goals. With financial constraints for the Serie A side there is also the question of finding a package that suits both parties, with Chelsea holding very little power.
“Lukaku wants to stay at Inter, for sure — we know Romelu’s intention and so we will see if we can negotiate his return here," added Marotta. With the player pushing for another year on loan in Italy there is optimism that something can be sorted but for Chelsea it is just another thing to bear in mind moving forward.
READ NEXT:
Gabriel Slonina shines against Arsenal as Leo Castledine earns Chelsea late win over Gunners
Chelsea could face unthinkable Premier League reality if Graham Potter is unable to halt slide
Chelsea handed double injury boost after Tottenham defeat as Graham Potter oversees training
Todd Boehly hands Graham Potter 'sacking timeline' as Chelsea dressing room question 'concerned'
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
