Multiple reports state direct negotiations have begun between Inter, Chelsea and Romelu Lukaku for a loan, with clubs hoping to get a deal done by the end of this week.
After weeks of speculation and growing tension at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku has now directly told Chelsea he wants a return to Inter barely a year after the €113m transfer.
The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel and the coach also seems content to let him leave.
According to The Telegraph, Tuttomercatoweb, Sky Sport Italia, Gazzetta dello Sport and more, a conference call was held today in which Lukaku requested the move.
La Repubblica claims he is ready to halve his salary from €12m per season net to €6m, aided also by the fact if it is done by June 30, then Inter can still benefit from the tax breaks that come with bringing foreign talent to Italy.
Chelsea are ready to release the Belgium international on loan, but want at least €20m to prevent it being a net loss for the season.
Tuttomercatoweb suggest Inter are offering barely even €10m for the one-year loan, with Chelsea covering part of his salary.
A player exchange is also possible, but Denzel Dumfries does not seem to be on the radar now.
The sources in Italy and England are all confident an in-person meeting will be held by the end of this week that could find the breakthrough.
Chelsea have opened talks with Inter Milan over Romelu Lukaku’s possible return to the Serie A club. @Matt_Law_DT reports.
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 15, 2022
I honestly think we should let this guy go even though he said it was his dream to move back to Stamford Bridge … His heart was in Inter Milan even if he made the move … So let him go and hope the board can work for a move on Robert Lewandowski or not necessarily a number 9 because it didn’t work apart from Diego costa… Why not Ousmane Dembele and Jesus to reinforce and let kai have fun as false number nine
Ooooh, make it happen and next season will be still interesting and not one horse race. 😛