Romelu Lukaku has spoken ahead of a potential return to Inter Milan this summer. The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer, and a return to the San Siro always seemed the likely destination.
The striker landed in Milan this morning with his lawyer to finalise a temporary exit from Stamford Bridge. It's said that Lukaku, who couldn't hide his delight at a departure from Chelsea this summer, touched down in Italy to undergo a medical, sign contracts and announce the deal.
He's set to pen a season-long loan deal with the Nerazzurri that keeps him at the San Siro until June 2023. And as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the striker said: "I'm really happy to be here."
READ MORE: Todd Boehly Chelsea takeover agreement gives Thomas Tuchel La Liga transfer mission green light
Reports add that Inter will cover the entirety of the Belgium international's salary, with Chelsea set to be guaranteed an €8million (£6.9m) up-front loan fee plus add-ons.
Keen to leave the Blues, football.london understands that Lukaku asked his lawyer earlier this season to check the possibility of a possible return to the San Siro, less than 12 months after making the move from Milan to London. And the Belgian's wish has been granted by Todd Boehly.
football.london also understand that the striker was set to hold talks with Boehly and other higher-ups ahead of a final decision. Whether or not these talks have happened seem to have had little impact on the striker, who reportedly wants nothing to do with current boss Thomas Tuchel 'anymore', according to the latest Italian reports via Sport Witness.
"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," Tuchel said on the striker ahead of the FA Cup final. "We will evaluate any situation of any player, including Romelu. We will see what is going to happen and what the plans are."
Lukaku struggled to acclimatise to the Premier League upon his return to west London, finding the net 15 times in 44 appearances last season. His misfortune in front of goal has cast doubt over his future, though he has still been able to reportedly court the interest of several top-flight European clubs ahead of the transfer window.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea make Jules Kounde transfer U-turn as Cristiano Ronaldo influence revealed
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
What Thomas Tuchel has said about Cristiano Ronaldo as Todd Boehly discusses transfer with agent
Jules Kounde makes 'financial' decision as Chelsea turn transfer attention to Matthijs de Ligt
