PSG planning swoop for Inter’s Romelu Lukaku this summer

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:44 CDT
• 2 min read

PSG will look to bolster their forward line this summer by targeting Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

By their usual standards, PSG were relatively frugal in the transfer market in the summer of 2020, with the only big-money arrival being Mauro Icardi, with that deal having already been agreed as part of his loan from Inter.

Naturally, the main reason for their lack of spending has been the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but it could actually be the pandemic which leads them landing high-profile players

One side who are currently much, much worse off than PSG due to the pandemic is Inter, who could be forced into selling some of their prized assets in the summer.

This comes after the rumours that Inter’s Chinese owners Suning Holdings are desperately attempting to sell the club in the near future.

Alongside the likes of Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martinez, Lukaku remains one of the players on the books at the San Siro who would command a hefty fee, and as such could be allowed to leave should a significant offer come in.

PSG could look to take advantage of Inter’s financial situation to land Lukaku for a reduced price.

Will Lukaku’s move to PSG happen?

Unfortunately for Lukaku, PSG have several priorities which lie above the recruitment of the Belgian powerhouse.

It is no secret that the French side will attempt to sign Lionel Messi this summer, and although that will be on a free transfer, any available funds they have will partly be going towards the likely massive wages that will be required to lure the Argentine from Barcelona.

Then, there is the small matter of keeping star players Neymar and Kylian Mbappe happy at the club. Both have been linked with moves away recently as well as potentially signing new contracts, so if PSG have aspirations of keeping the pair, then money will need to be set aside for any increased wages, signing-on fees, and bonus promises.

Should the move for Messi and contract negotiations with either Neymar or Mbappe break down, then it is possible that PSG could target Lukaku to lead their line going forward.

PSG could also find themselves in a bidding war for Lukaku should they opt to target him, as several other elite sides will be on the lookout for a new centre-forward this summer.

Man City are one of the teams reportedly interested in Lukaku, with Pep Guardiola keen to add a new forward to his ranks after a season which has seen Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus not available more often than not.

In the report by CalcioMercato, it is revealed that Lukaku’s future at Inter may also depend on the future of head coach Antonio Conte.

Under Conte, Inter have became Serie A title challengers again, but with the former Chelsea boss and the club hierarchy clashing verbally in the past, his future at the club is by no means certain.

Should Conte leave, the likelihood of Lukaku leaving will increase.