Posted: 19:43, 21 June 2022 | Updated: 21:13, 21 June 2022
Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Inter for the return of Romelu Lukaku to Serie A next season.
According to The Athletic, Inter will pay 9 6.9 million plus extras to secure Lukaku’s services on a temporary basis in view of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Belgian international is expected to undergo a medical next week before returning to the San Siro on loan.
Chelsea reach agreement in principle with Inter for the return of Romelu Lukaku there
It is claimed that the owner of Inter, Steven Zhang (photo with Lukaku in 2019) finally agreed on a loan package worth about 6.9 million pounds plus additional
The bureaucracy for the deal is still finalized, but Inter will have no choice or obligation to buy Lukaku after borrowing him in Serie A.
Chelsea are said to be reluctant to let the striker go at a reduced price after paying 98 98.5m for his return to Stamford Bridge.
As a result, Lukaku – who has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2026 – will return to Stamford Bridge after the 2022-23 campaign.
The Belgian striker has made no secret of his desire to return to Serie A after a poor season with Chelsea, in which he scored just 15 goals in 44 appearances.
In Italy, it emerged that Lukaku took the lead in promoting the return, even bypassing Federico Pastorello’s agent by picking up the phone to Inzaghi two months ago.
Lukaku has scored just 15 goals in 44 appearances since returning to Stamford Bridge last year.
Lukaku helped Inter win the Scudetto during two successful seasons there before returning to Chelsea last year.
It is said that the call was made at 8.30 am. on April 5 and, after wishing the coach his 46th birthday, Lukaku reportedly asked: “Sir, what can I do to return to Inter?”
The discussion took place the day before Chelsea played the crucial quarterfinal of the Champions League, the first match against Real Madrid.
They lost the match 3-1, with Karim Benzema scoring an amazing hat-trick and Lukaku lost one of Chelsea’s best chances of the night as he sent out when he was in a good position.
However, Athletic said it was the relationship between new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly and Michael Yormark – president of Roc Nation, which represents Lukaku – that pushed the deal over the edge.
Boehly was convinced that Lukaku’s departure was the best for all parties, when the Belgian made it clear how determined he was to leave.
According to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, it took three hours of talks to reach an agreement, but one was finally reached.
As a result, Loukakou will return to the team with which he helped win the Serie A title in the 2020-21 season.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly (left) convinced Lukaku’s departure is best for all parties
Thomas Tuchel (left) now finds replacements in the 2022-2023 campaign attack
Lukaku’s departure exacerbates Tuhel’s need to find another goal threat and Manchester City’s Rahim Sterling is at the forefront of his plans.
Chelsea have not contacted City, but with one year left on their deal, they believe the 27-year-old Sterling will be valued at around 55 55 million.
City are preparing for Sterling’s departure and will not stand in his way, but Sportsmail understands that they are still considering his options.
Chelsea are also interested in Robert Lewandowski, but his desire to join Barcelona makes a deal unlikely. RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku and Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele are also options.
