Romelu Lukaku’s return to Chelsea has not gone as he expected, as the striker found it hard to enjoy regular game time in the second half of the 2021/22 season. He was restricted to only 16 league starts.
The 29-year-old joined the Blues for the second time last summer, after playing a key role in Inter Milan’s last league success. His struggles at Stamford Bridge have apparently convinced him to return to the San Siro.
These claims have now been backed by the Serie A side’s CEO, Alessandro Antonello.
“Lukaku plus Dybala? At this moment, it is essential to combine competitiveness on the pitch and financial sustainability,” Antonello said, as quoted by FcInterNews.
“This is the work we are doing, all the club’s choices in the transfer market will always be inspired by these two words. We want to respect the Uefa Financial Fair Play [FFP] limits, towards the new rules from the 2024/25 season. Everything can be done, taking into account economic and financial sustainability.
“Lukaku? There is a great desire of the player to return, then the economic feasibility and the resolution of some technical problems must be verified, but it is better to talk about this with Marotta. By June 30th? We will try to do it in the right time.”
Antonello’s comment makes it clear the player wants to leave the west London club in the summer window.
This has convinced the Nerazzurri to hold discussions with Thomas Tuchel’s side for the frontman. Earlier today, reports coming out of the Italian press stated Inter and Chelsea are officially negotiating for Lukaku’s loan transfer.
It was also stated the Nerazzurri offered €5m, while the Premier League club are asking for €10m to sanction the Belgium international’s temporary deal.
