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Chelsea eye two-for-one swap deal as Inter chief gives Romelu Lukaku transfer update
Chelsea are open to allowing Romelu Lukaku leave Stamford Bridge again this summer, with Inter Milan keen to bring him back to the San Siro despite a disappointing campaign for the striker
Inter Milan president Steven Zhang has confirmed he will look to hold talks with Chelsea over the future of Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku has spent the season on loan at the San Siro from the Blues, as he looks to recover his reputation following a disastrous move to Stamford Bridge. He was signed for £97.5million by Chelsea in the summer of 2021, but was quickly moved on by former boss Thomas Tuchel.
He ended up returning to Inter, where he had won the Serie A title, though has continued to struggle this term. The Belgian came off the bench in Saturday’s Champions League final, but missed several golden chances to equalise for the Italian side.
Despite their defeat to Manchester City, Inter are hoping their run to the final can be the start of a new era of success. And Zhang is hoping he can convince Chelsea to allow Lukaku to return to Inter once again.
“[Lukaku] has shown to be a great forward for Inter, he’s an extraordinary guy. He’s under contract at Chelsea, so we’ll have to wait and speak with them to understand his situation,” Zhang said.
“There are many positive things to reflect on this season, it needs to be a starting point to continue our growth day after day. Winning and losing is part of sport. We’re proud to have reached the final and played against the best.
“We showed our qualities without fear, regardless of the final result. I think the mentality and quality of our players is of a high standard. A positive season to reflect on, and we’ve already started working for the future for some time now.
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“The players who have had a great season will keep going with us, and we’re happy to support them. A transfer window cannot be planned in a day. It’s important to stay competitive by retaining our best players. We’re very confident about the foundations we’ve laid.”
There is growing speculation that Inter may be able to strike a deal with the Blues. According to The Sun, new boss Mauricio Pochettino is lining up a move for Inter keeper Andre Onana, who impressed in Saturday’s final.
Inter have already lined up a replacement for the keeper, though are demanding £55m in return for him. That has opened the door to a swap deal with Chelsea, with Lukaku one of the players the Blues could send Inter’s way.
Chelsea are said to be ready to make their move for the Cameroon star, with Pochettino eager to get deal done. Lukaku would be one of the players they offer in exchange, with the striker due back in London for talks with Pochettino.
His preference is to remain in Italy, with Chelsea also ready to offer Inter Kalidou Koulibaly. The defender struggled in his first season at Stamford Bridge after joining from Napoli and the Blues are ready to move him on.
The trigger for talks starting over the swap deal would be Inter signing Guglielmo Vicario, who is being lined up as their replacement for Onana. Pochettino is set to carry out a major summer overhaul as he looks to turn around Chelsea’s fortunes.
