According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonio Conte’s Tottenham could drop Dusan Vlahovic, trying to sign Romelu Lukaku in the summer and giving hope to Juventus in the race for the Fiorentina hitman.
Lukaku’s comments about his first few months at Stamford Bridge have not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea boss Tuchel dropping the former Inter star for today’s match against Liverpool.
“After two years in Italy, where I worked so hard at Inter with the fitness staff and nutritionist, I feel better than ever,” said the Belgium international.
“However, I am not happy with the situation at Chelsea, that is normal. I think the coach chose to play a different system, I just have to not give up, keep working and be professional. I am not happy with the situation, but I’m a hard worker and I mustn’t give up.
“I want to apologise to Inter fans, because I think the way I left should’ve been done differently. I should’ve spoken to you first, because the things you did for me, for my family, my mother, my son, those will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“I really, genuinely from the bottom of my heart hope to come back to Inter, not at the end of my career, but while I am still at the level to win more trophies.”
Conte announces Tottenham signings, refuses to discuss Lukaku’s situation
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham’s transfer plans could change after Lukaku’s interview.
Inter could only loan their former striker but would not benefit from the Growth Decree as Lukaku only left Italy in the summer.
The Growth Decree is a tax discount of 50 per cent on the gross salaries of players and coaches who haven’t lived in Italy for the last two years, so the Nerazzurri could not benefit from it if Lukaku returns to Milan.
Tottenham and Manchester City are the options mentioned by the pink paper for Lukaku. Clearly, his strong relationship with Conte could play a key role in the striker’s future.
However, the Italian tactician refused to comment on Lukaku’s situation after Tottenham’s win over Watford on Saturday. “I have great affection for him, but he’s a Chelsea player,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
According to the report, Lukaku’s transfer would only be possible at the end of the season and Tottenham would drop Vlahovic if they go for Lukaku.
The Serbian striker is Juventus’ priority target for June, but the Serie A giants are struggling financially and would not be able to sign the Serbian striker on a permanent transfer, needing a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy.