Serie A giants make transfer decision that could affect Chelsea hopes of signing 28-year-old star

Inter Milan’s transfer decision that will affect Chelsea bid to re-sign Romelu Lukaku

According to transfer information from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Serie A champions Inter Milan have decided to put Lautaro Martinez up for sale in hope of holding on to Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku.

Inter Milan are not in the pinkest of health when it comes to finances and have already had to part ways with star man Achraf Hakimi to balance the books. More player sales could be needed though, in order to get a hold of the club’s economical situation, with Martinez and Lukaku being their biggest saleable assets.

The duo has formed a brilliant strike partnership since Lukaku moved to Italy from Manchester United in 2019. Their tandem was key to Nerazzurri being able to win the Serie A title in the 2020/21 campaign. However, the club could now be forced to sell one of the two centre-forwards due to the prevalent situation.

And, as per the report, neither is short on suitors as Lautaro Martinez is a subject of interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, is a transfer target for Chelsea, as a potential alternative for Erling Haaland. (h/t The Athletic)

Lukaku is no stranger to Chelsea, having spent a few years at the club in the early stages of his career. Having been farmed out on loan at the time, the 28-year-old is now one of the best marksmen in the game and is being linked with a return to the Bridge.

Inter Milan, though, have decided that it will be Martinez who is allowed to leave this summer, so as to ensure that Lukaku ends up staying put at San Siro.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea fans urged to showcase proof of vaccination to be allowed into Stamford Bridge
• Transfer News: Chelsea target Jules Kounde dreaming of Real Madrid switch
• Sevilla reject Chelsea offer for Jules Kounde; want cash-only deal

This will come as a double blow for Chelsea, as the Blues would not only be able to sign Lukaku, but could end up seeing one of their London rivals potentially end up with a dangerous striker like Martinez. The Argentine, though, would prefer a Champions League club, which neither Arsenal nor Tottenham are heading into the new season.

Lukaku, though, seems set to be staying put in Italy.