Chelsea and Inter Milan are set to continue negotiations over the future of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku after the Blues rejected a loan bid from the Italian club. Lukaku spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Inter Milan, scoring 10 goals in 28 Serie A appearances. The forward is reportedly keen to stay in Italy, but Chelsea are looking for a permanent deal.
Inter Milan initially proposed another loan deal for Lukaku, but Chelsea rejected the offer, preferring to sell the player on a permanent basis. According to Evening Standard, Inter is now expected to return to the negotiating table with a new proposal that includes a loan for the upcoming season and an obligation to buy at the end of the loan period. The size of the fee and any payment for another season’s loan will be up for discussion, as Inter aims to spread the cost of the deal amid financial difficulties. Last week, reports suggested that Chelsea would accept offers of £40m for Lukaku.
Chelsea are currently closing in on the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, who is likely to replace Lukaku in the squad. The Blues are also aiming to trim their squad this summer, but Inter may need to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to fund a bid for Lukaku. Onana was previously wanted by Chelsea but is now in talks with Manchester United.
As talks continue, both clubs will be looking to reach an agreement that satisfies their respective financial and squad requirements.
