Thomas Tuchel highlighted that Chelsea ‘don’t think’ about reports that Romelu Lukaku may return to Inter in the summer.
The 28-year-old Belgian forward has had a difficult time in West London following his €115m move last summer from the Nerazzurri, finding significantly less success in England. He has only scored five goals in 19 Premier League appearances, struggling to maintain consistent playing time.
Speaking in a press conference today, Tuchel discussed media reports linking Lukaku with a return to Inter in the summer.
“We don’t reflect on it. The situation at the moment is that we cannot talk to players, cannot sell, and cannot buy. At this moment, we don’t need to think about it. These are the players we have and Romelu still plays a big part in our plans.
“Not the part maybe he wants to play and I totally understand that, but he used his time to disconnect a little bit, had one week of a holiday, and then he was back with us.”
The German coach then suggested that the Belgian forward is still a vital player to the Blues despite struggling to show his best this season.
“I feel he’s very motivated, very strong in training, very much involved when we play the games. He is a winner and he will stay a winner and stay important with us. He had a good match against Middlesbrough which was a huge boost for all of us and for him personally.
“And at the moment, there is no space for a bad mood and no space for disappointment. There is simply not. I checked the schedule last week and I knew this was the schedule but once it is in front of you, you see what’s coming.
“There are a lot of matches in the decisive weeks of the season. That’s why there is no space now for second thoughts, being distracted or disappointed. We need everybody, every player and that includes Romelu.”
The 28-year-old Lukaku, who is contracted to Chelsea until 2026, has made 34 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 2247 minutes. In that time, he’s scored 12 goals and provided two assists.
Considering Inter’s financial limitations and Chelsea’s strong transfer market position, it seems fairly unlikely that Lukaku will be wearing a Nerazzurri shirt again next season.
Lukaku all'Inter, Tuchel spegne il sogno: "Per noi è un giocatore importante"#SkySport #Lukaku #Inter #Tuchel #SkyCalciomercato #Calciomercatohttps://t.co/y4M8E5kwjw
— skysport (@SkySport) April 1, 2022
What he means is: Chelsea dont think about Lukaku at all. Period.
There’s a transfer enbargo I think so it’s unlikely he’ll leave. But who knows new buyers might change things.