With Chelsea reportedly trying to persuade Romelu Lukaku to stay in 2023-24, La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals Inter‘s options to replace the Belgian forward, including Italy international Mateo Retegui.
Mauricio Pochettino will soon be confirmed as Chelsea’s new coach for next season and according to Gazzetta, the Argentinean tactician wants to keep Lukaku at Stamford Bridge in 2023-24.
The Belgian is on loan at the Stadio Meazza and Inter do not have an option to make his move permanent, despite the striker’s desire to remain at the club.
Retegui has been scouted by Inter directors over the last few months, including in his first two games with Italy in March. He will soon join Tigre permanently for just €2m from Boca but is expected to move to Europe in the summer.
The Azzurri striker has recently admitted that a transfer to the Old Continent at the end of the season is “possible.”
The 24-year-old is said to be Beppe Marotta’s priority but is not Inter’s only option to replace Lukaku. The Nerazzurri have also targeted Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Borussia Monchengladbach Marcus Thuram, both available for free, given that their contracts are up in June.