Inter Milan have decided to walk away from a potential deal to bring back Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea. The Belgian spent the 22/23 season on loan at Inter, only one year after a massive £97.5 million move back to Stamford Bridge. And after learning that he was in talks with Juventus over a potential move, the Nerazzurri have ended their interest in the Belgian.
Reports also suggest that the player did not respond to attempts to make contact personally from Inter. And now, Chelsea will be officially informed about Inter’s decision to back out of a permanent transfer. An official bid worth €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons was submitted, and accepted. But, it will no longer be valid owing to the latest developments.
Romelu Lukaku’s remaining options ahead of new season
Juventus could sign the 30-year-old only if they manage to offload Dusan Vlahovic this summer. Their offer for Lukaku is worth €37.5 million plus €2.5 million in add-ons. Vlahovic has attracted interest from PSG, but a formal offer has not yet been made.
Moreover, rumours about a swap deal involving Vlahovic and Lukaku are also off the mark as the Serbian is not on Chelsea’s transfer list. The plan right now is for both the clubs to arrive at a decision before August 4.
Saudi Arabian clubs are also interested in signing Lukaku, but an agreement with the player is needed. The striker was involved in talks with Juventus around the time of the Champions League final, and Inter are furious upon learning about these conversations.
Chelsea are not planning to take Romelu Lukaku to the USA for their preseason tour. The player is expected to report for training separately in the coming week. Mauricio Pochettino has not spoken to him, and he is not a part of Chelsea’s plans for the season either. They want him gone, and have set a deadline of early August for themselves.
