Chelsea get SHOCK 'at all costs' message over Romelu Lukaku

Robin Bairner

• 12 Jun 2023 13:10 BST
• 2 min read

Chelsea’s prospects of selling Romelu Lukaku are looking up after they received a message from Italy indicating that Champions League finalists Inter are eager to keep the Belgium international.

Lukaku received criticism for his performance as a substitute in the 1-0 loss against Manchester City. In particular, he missed what appeared to be a simple late headed chance, but his effort was straight at Ederson and the opportunity was lost.

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That moment sums up what has been a difficult spell for Lukaku since he left Inter to sign for Chelsea for €115 million in the summer of 2021 – a British record fee. A return of 15 goals in 44 games after moving to Stamford Bridge for a second time was not what had been expected of him, while he was also outspoken on his unhappiness in England.

It had been hoped a return to San Siro on loan might rejuvenate him, but his form has remained patchy amid injury problems.

The 30-year-old has, nevertheless, contributed 14 goals and seven assists in around 2000 minutes of competitive football, which appears to have been sufficient to persuade Inter to keep him on.

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Inter want to keep Lukaku

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Champions League runners-up want to pair the former Manchester United and Everton star with West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca.

“Zhang, after the disappointment of the Champions League final, wants to keep Romelu Lukaku at all costs and, if Edin Dzeko leaves, he has already contacted the Italian,” the paper reports.

That report is backed up by Corriere dello Sport, which reports that “Inter will not separate from Lukaku”.

Of course, the decision is not simply in the hands of the Serie A club, but with Chelsea in the market for a new No.9, the possibility of a deal being brokered is a positive one, especially with the reputation of Lukaku in England having been further damaged by his performance against City.