Chelsea have ‘no intention of letting go of’ Romelu Lukaku and ‘will try again’ for the Inter Milan star after his refusal, writes Enzo Bucchioni in his column for TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Blues have shifted their focus to the striker after ending their efforts to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.
Bucchioni claims the 28-year-old has ‘said no’ to returning to Stamford Bridge because he’s happy with his life, on and off the pitch, in Milan.
Roman Abramovich’s son has taken up residence in the Italian city and although it will likely be a coincidence, the journalist states he will surely ‘try to convince’ the former Everton man to return to the Premier League.
The first offer proposed to the Belgian was around €10m net per season and it could be raised to €15m. A ‘shock offer will be made to see if the player can breakthrough’.
The European champions haven’t contacted Inter, as they are convinced an agreement in principle is needed with the player before approaching his club. Chelsea are of the belief the Nerazzurri will not oppose Lukaku’s sale if he asks to leave this summer.
Bucchioni adds that Inter know that if Thomas Tuchel’s side were to reach an agreement with the frontman, Chelsea would be ready to pay ‘at least €120m’. If this offer reaches the San Siro, it will be ‘tempting’, mainly due to the Serie A winners’ economic conditions.
Those close to Lukaku have ruled out a return to England, but there’s a possibility the situation could change before the window closes.
Chelsea’s offer to Lukaku, worth €15m per season, should arrive early next week, according to the claims. Abramovich hopes the goalscoring star can be convinced to accept their proposal in the coming days and return to the west London club.
