Inter Milan’s pursuit of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has hit a stumbling block as their latest bid of £26 million has been rejected. Lukaku, who is currently 30 years old, spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Inter, making a total of 37 appearances for the Italian giants. During his loan spell, he netted 14 goals and provided seven assists, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Despite battling through thigh injuries, Lukaku featured in Serie A 25 times, impressively scoring 10 goals and contributing six assists. Additionally, he found the back of the net three times in the Champions League, guiding Inter to the final, although they were ultimately defeated by Manchester City.
Inter are eager to secure the services of the Belgian forward permanently during this summer transfer window. However, their initial offer of £23 million was rebuffed, indicating that Chelsea values Lukaku higher. The Blues are reportedly demanding £40 million for the player they acquired for a hefty £97.5 million just two summers ago.
While Inter continues their pursuit, other clubs have also shown interest in Lukaku. Juventus is closely monitoring the situation, and several teams from Saudi Arabia are considering enticing the forward with lucrative wages.
Lukaku’s history with Chelsea adds another layer of intrigue to this potential transfer. He first joined the London club in 2011, but his initial stint from 2011 to 2014 was unfruitful, with no goals in his 15 appearances. He subsequently played for Everton and Manchester United before making a move to Inter in 2019, where he enjoyed a highly successful spell, scoring an impressive 64 goals in 95 appearances.
Chelsea’s acquisition of Lukaku in August 2021 for a record fee failed to produce exceptional results, as he managed only 15 goals in 44 appearances during the 2021-22 campaign. Consequently, Inter decided to bring Lukaku back on loan for the previous season.
The outcome of Inter’s pursuit remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether they will increase their offer. However, the potential sale of Andre Onana could provide the club with additional funds. Manchester United is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Onana, with a reported fee of €50 million (£42.8 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons for the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
While Inter navigates their negotiations, Chelsea has been proactive in bolstering their attacking options. They have secured the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, and Diego Moreira has arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer. Moreover, the Blues are actively pursuing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, highlighting their intention to strengthen the squad further.