Romelu Lukaku doesn't look as close to returning to Inter Milan as once thought, with the 28-year-old subject to a brutal reality check. The striker has been heavily linked with a move back to his former club this summer following an underwhelming homecoming at Stamford Bridge this season.
He has struggled to acclimatise to the Premier League upon his return, finding the net 17 times in 44 appearances. Lukaku's misfortune in front of goal has cast doubt over his future in west London, though he's still managed to garner interest in his services from several top European sides.
The Belgium international has been linked to Bayern Munich, Inter and Tottenham. Sky Italia claim that the Blues have given the green light to his exit, with Lukaku reportedly wanting to cut ties with Thomas Tuchel.
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According to reports from Italy, via Sport Witness, the striker wants nothing to do with the Chelsea boss anymore. Ahead of the FA Cup final, Tuchel spoke on Lukaku's future and explained how the club would be willing to evaluate the Belgian's situation.
"I think if he plans to talk with the owner, maybe it is not his plan to talk with me. It's fair enough. Let's see if he gets a meeting! It is his right. We will talk to anybody," the German said of the £59m-rated striker. "We will evaluate any situation of any player, including Romelu. We will see what is going to happen and what the plans are."
football.london understands that Lukaku has asked his lawyer to check the possibility of a possible return to the San Siro, less than 12 months after making the move from Milan to London. If a loan deal is to be agreed, The Telegraph claim that it could cost Inter around £20m.
football.london also understand that the striker is to hold talks with Todd Boehly and the higher-ups ahead of making his final decision. However, it's currently unknown as to whether this has, will or is happening.
Lukaku has since reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Nerazzurri, though Inter's financial shortcomings have proved an issue. And, amid this ongoing saga, the Italian side also want Paulo Dybala.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio live on air for Sky Sport Italia, Inter see the two forwards as alternatives to one another. The Italian club's current financial status is said to make it difficult for the duo to both sign this summer.
And, to add fuel to the fire, Lukaku has been told that 'Inter don't want him as much as he wants Inter'. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Euro Leagues podcast, Belgian football expert, Kristof Terreur said: "This soap opera has been running since Lukaku gave that interview to Sky Italia in December. He wants away from Chelsea, but going back to Inter is not easy.
"They have a very tight budget and would probably have to take him on loan or do a player swap, but that does not happen often. It will be a very difficult deal."
"There were pictures of Paulo Dybala's agent going into the Inter offices, and he would be free," he added. "They also already have Lautaro [Martinez], [Edin] Dzeko and [Joaquin] Correa. I'm not sure Inter want Lukaku as much as he wants Inter."
