Lukaku could make shock transfer on one condition

Robin Bairner

• 28 Jan 2023 21:06 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea face a potential problem with Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window, yet it could be solved by an unlikely source.

CalcioMercatoWeb report that Inter, where Lukaku is presently on loan, are having serious doubts about negotiating for an extension in the Belgium international’s deal, which was expected to last for two years.

It is little wonder that the Nerazzurri are considering binning the forward just a matter of months after he made his return to the club he fired to the 2020/21 Serie A title. He has spent much of the season injured, starting only one match since the end of August, and has scored only two goals.

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Indeed, he spent the majority of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cremonese on the bench, from where he watched Lautaro Martinez score the decisive goals.

These problems will be familiar to Chelsea, who signed the 29-year-old for €115 million in the summer of 2021.

With the Blues seeking to build a fresh young team, Lukaku’s face no longer fits, so they could be left with a problem should he return from Inter in the summer.

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Lukaku to Tottenham?

Manager Graham Potter could, however, be given a handy solution to his problem from across London.

It is reported in Italy that Antonio Conte wants the player at Tottenham – but of course that hinges on the Italian still being in the post in the summer, something that looks rather doubtful at present. Nevertheless, the pair enjoyed a highly fruitful partnership at San Siro as the Nerazzurri won the title.

Lukaku could find himself challenging Harry Kane for the No.9 role at Spurs, yet the future of the England international is not certain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite optimism that he will sign a new deal.

According to CMW, Lukaku could have other options come the summer transfer window, with Newcastle cited as a possible destination in the Premier League.

Other sizeable clubs might also look towards the striker, who is given an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €50.9m by FootballTransfers. Bayern Munich are looking for a centre forward and could be tempted by Lukaku, while Atletico Madrid are another option.