Inter prepared to battle AC Milan for Lukaku

Stuart Telford

• 27 Jun 2023 18:25 BST
• 3 min read

Inter Milan are readying a fresh bid for Romelu Lukaku in light of interest from city rivals AC Milan in their Chelsea-owned striker.

Lukaku's future has been the source of much speculation this summer.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wanted to see him first-hand before making a decision on his future, but the cub's ownership were determined to sell him to Saudi Arabia - something the player himself refused.

READ: Premier League makes HUGE decision on Chelsea's Saudi links

Lukaku spent last season back on loan at Inter, and the Nerazzurri are understood to be his preferred destination, but with AC Milan suddenly cash rich after selling Sandro Tonali the Newcastle for an Italian record €70 million, they have floated stealing the striker from under their rivals' noses.

The competition on Lukaku's signature is set to drive his price up, with Chelsea cashing in whether he moves to the Middle East or not.

Fresh Lukaku bid from Inter

"Milan's rivals Inter are to hold more talks with Chelsea this week over a proposed deal to re-sign Romelu Lukaku," report The Telegraph.

"Inter are likely to propose signing Lukaku on another season-long loan, but this time with the option to buy him for €30 million next summer. Chelsea are expected to insist on an obligation, rather than an option but there is a feeling in Italy that a deal can be agreed."

READ: AC Milan tell Chelsea how much they will pay for Lukaku

Inter recently signed France forward Marcus Thuram on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, but Simone Inzaghi is confident of being able to play him and Lukaku together next season - although that raises questions as to Lautaro Martinez's future.

Chelsea are also interested in Inter's goalkeeper Andre Onana, although the Cameroonian's agents were more recently in talks with Manchester United about the prospect of their player replacing David de Gea as the cub's No.1.

Lukaku, who is valued at €44.4m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, has scored 78 goals across two spells at Inter, and fired them to the Serie A title in 2021. Seeing him play for the red half of Milan would be anathema to the fans.