July 16th 2023.
Romelu Lukaku's hopes of rejoining Inter Milan have been dashed as negotiations between the two clubs have collapsed. The Belgian had been given extra time off by Chelsea and told he did not need to return for pre-season in London. This was due to Inter Milan working on a deal to sign the striker on a permanent basis.
Unfortunately, after having two bids rejected, Inter Milan have pulled the plug on negotiations. This was due to Chelsea having held talks with Juventus at the same time. Inter had sold Lukaku to Chelsea in 2021 for a fee of £97m and they took him back on loan in 2022. The Italians felt there was an unwritten understanding that they were first in the queue to sign the striker this summer.
Meanwhile, Lukaku has made it clear that he wants to return to the San Siro. However, Chelsea will sell to the highest bidder and value Lukaku at £40m. This has opened up the possibility that he could remain at Stamford Bridge this summer. The Mail reports that he will return to Cobham on Monday to resume pre-season training.
The uncertainty over his future continues and Lukaku will not form part of the squad that travels to the United States with Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine had wanted all departures sanctioned before the club travel to the US. Chelsea had the biggest playing squad in the Premier League last season and Pochettino prefers operating with a smaller squad.
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