After a disappointing season following a record-breaking return to Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku is edging closer to a move back to Inter Milan, according to Italian journalist Matteo Barzaghi.
The Belgian, who scored 30 goals in the 2020/21 season, has been pushing for a transfer to the Nerazzurri and Chelsea seem set to cut their losses and agree to a €10 million loan fee. The conclusion of yet another Chelsea transfer saga could come very soon.
Inter Milan and Chelsea Close to Agreeing a Deal for Romelu Lukaku
Inter Milan May Be Ready to Meet Chelsea’s Demands
The two clubs have been negotiating the loan fee for Lukaku’s move because Inter Milan can’t afford to pay for a permanent transfer.
Initial offers from Italy were reportedly at €5 million but Chelsea wanted closer to €10 million plus add-ons to recoup more of the £97.5 million investment they made in the striker last summer.
There are no concerns over the personal terms of the contract as Lukaku is intent on re-joining Inter Milan to rediscover the form that helped bring the club their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2020-21.
Work in progress for Romelu Lukaku’s comeback to Inter. Talks ongoing with Chelsea on the final loan fee, Inter will improve the opening proposal worth €5m plus €2m in add-ons. 🔵🇧🇪 #Inter
Next week will be key to speed up talks – as all parties want to find a solution soon. pic.twitter.com/LN65OuzBjN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2022
Romelu Lukaku Dreamt of Inter Return
Lukaku clearly enjoyed his time playing at the San Siro, where he scored 64 goals in 95 games while playing in Italy. In comparison, he only managed eight for Chelsea last season.
In December 2021, Lukaku also made it clear that he dreams of a return to Inter Milan – one where he’s still in his prime years and can help them win trophies. This, just a few months after being back at Chelsea, suggested he was already eyeing up a move back to Inter Milan.
It seems the only obstacle for making Lukaku’s dream come true now is the green light from Inter’s owners.
Chelsea’s Transfer Window is Ramping Up
Following a relatively slow start, especially in terms of incomings, Chelsea’s transfer activity is starting to gather pace. Along with the Lukaku news, which is going to hurt the club’s wallet, rumours are ramping up about replacements for players leaving.
The big news is about Jules Koundé – Chelsea have been chasing him for a few years now and there’s hope that a deal will be made with Sevilla soon.
Raheem Sterling has emerged as a top target for the Blues recently as they look to add more firepower in hopes of a better season than their 2021/22 campaign.
Thomas Tuchel is also reportedly interested in giving returning loanees already on the books a chance to prove themselves. Could Armando Broja be the solution to Chelsea’s striker dilemma? And has Conor Gallagher earned his stripes across London playing for Crystal Palace?
The good news is that Chelsea fans’ patience is set to be rewarded as new owner Todd Boehly is likely going to back Tuchel this summer.
