Chelsea’s decision to invest over €100m in signing Romelu Lukaku in 2021 didn’t pay off as he struggled to impress last season.
The striker was keen to return to Inter Milan and his wish was fulfilled when the Blues let him join them on a season-long loan deal.
Lukaku, who has managed two goals and an assist from five matches for the Serie A side, has spent more time away from the pitch this season due to injuries. Despite this, he is vital to Simone Inzaghi’s project and the Nerazzurri would like him to continue next season.
That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who state ‘everyone knows’ about the verbal agreement between Chelsea and the Italian club extend the 29-year-old’s loan stay for one more season next summer.
The Blues are paying part of the Belgium international’s wages and if the existing deal is extended, then there will be no margin for negotiations with Inter.
Gazzetta explain the unknowns are around what will happen at Stamford Bridge in the coming months. Lukaku struggled at Chelsea was when Thomas Tuchel was at the club. Back in September, he was shown the exit door and replaced by Graham Potter.
It’s claimed Potter’s arrival ‘could lead Chelsea to reconsider’ the transfer agreement they have with Inter for Lukaku.
If that were to happen, Lukaku will be handed another opportunity to showcase his worth at the Premier League side, although that could entirely depend on whether he wants to return in the first place.
