Chelsea is reportedly formulating a plan for Romelu Lukaku after the Inter Milan CEO, Giuseppe Marotta, left the striker in limbo.
Marotta had stated that the 29-year-old would be sent back to Stamford Bridge after his loan spell, but talks are believed to be underway to grant Lukaku another temporary exit route from West London.
Lukaku’s First Spell at Inter Milan
Lukaku was best during his first stint at San Siro, netting 64 goals in 95 appearances between 2019 and 2021. Expectations were high when he signed for Chelsea in a £ 97.5 million deal, but he only managed eight Premier League goals in the 2021/22 season, leading to disappointment for all involved.
Loan to Inter Milan
The striker was sent back to Inter on a season-long loan last summer, but injuries have disrupted his progress in Italy. Despite Inter’s CEO stating that Lukaku will return to Chelsea this summer, reports suggest that Chelsea has no plans to make Lukaku an integral part of Graham Potter’s side.
Chelsea’s Plan for Lukaku’s Future
Instead, the club intends to attempt to secure another loan for Inter next season since the club is determined to reduce the financial commitments involved in any future deal. Despite his poor performance this season, the Nerazzurri are reportedly interested in returning Lukaku for another season.
Lukaku reportedly discussed his future with key authorities at Chelsea Bridge. With the possibility of being shut out at Chelsea approaching, he is said to be prepared to defer part of his wages to return to Inter on loan.
The situation’s complexity means that Inter feels like they are in a strong bargaining position. Lukaku has missed over 20 Inter games this season due to hamstring and knee injuries. Yet, he has shown spurts of energy recently, scoring against Spezia last Friday and scoring the solitary goal in the two-leg Champions League contest against Porto.
Lukaku has been consistent throughout his career, playing for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Everton, and Anderlecht. Nevertheless, he has struggled to recover his former form while on loan at Inter Milan this season, forcing Chelsea to consider his future. Whether Lukaku returns to Chelsea or spends another season on loan at Inter Milan, it remains to be seen how he will perform and regain his best form.
Interesting