Chelsea risk Lukaku STAY as Inter and Juventus eye Plan B option

Cameron Smith

• 16 Jul 2023 20:08 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are determined to sell Romelu Lukaku this summer, but the Blues could be left with egg on their face as both Inter Milan and Juventus are eyeing up Atletico Madrid star Alvaro Morata as a back-up option to the Belgian.

Inter have reportedly pulled out of the race for Lukaku after both the player and his representatives weren’t able to be contacted recently.

Furthermore, they are said to be angered by rumours linking Lukaku to Juventus, with the forward having previously said that Inter were the only Italian club he would ever play for.

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Romelu Lukaku was reportedly unhappy with Simone Inzaghi’s decision to start Edin Dzeko over him in the 2023 Champions League final. Football Italia have reported this was a major reason why he chose to 'ignore' Inter despite their desire to sign him.

The Belgium international previously admitted that he wanted to rejoin the Nerazzurri on a permanent deal, but a move to Juventus looks more likely.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Juve sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is currently preparing to present Lukaku an offer to join the club, but any transfer relies on Dusan Vlahovic leaving.

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Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Serbian, but Foot Mercato have reported that Paris Saint-Germain have agreed personal terms with Vlahovic ahead of a possible summer move.

Morata back to Serie A?

According to Spanish outlet Revelo, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Roma all want to sign Morata this summer, but it’s interest from Inter and Juve that is most interesting.

Both clubs have seemingly had their sights set on signing Lukaku, but Inter appear to have already shifted their focus to Morata. As for Juventus, they need to sell Vlahovic to fund a move for Lukaku, which could complicate matters.

Lukaku will not travel to the USA on Chelsea’s pre-season tour, with Mauricio Pochettino and the Blues board wanting a €40m fee to be paid by any interested party.

But, if Juve prioritise a move to bring back Morata, then Chelsea may be left in limbo, with Lukaku not in their plans but still at the club.