New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino commented on the Romelu Lukaku situation, hinting he expects an Inter transfer to go through very soon. ‘If he is still a Chelsea player…’
The centre-forward spent last season on loan at San Siro and has made absolutely no secret of his desire to make the move permanent.
Inter director Piero Ausilio also confirmed last night that Chelsea told them there will not be another loan deal, so they have to figure out a purchase.
“The situation, all of the parts, know what we think. I think in that case he needs to come back in 12th or 13th to be in the squad to start pre-season,” said Pochettino in a press conference when asked if he expects Lukaku to be at the training camp.
“Yeah, like all of the players when they arrive, they come to my office to say hello. If he is still a Chelsea player…”
That seems like a big if, especially as there is no real room for Lukaku in the Blues squad and he has already rejected far more lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League.
The Belgian has his heart set on Inter, who in turn value the player at no more than €50m, claiming that was the figure Chelsea had accepted from Saudi clubs.