Roadblock emerges in wantaway striker’s desired exit

Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku faces roadblock in Serie A return

Wantaway Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has been pushing for a return to Inter Milan, but the move will be difficult to facilitate as per Belgium football expert Kristof Terreur on BBC Sport. 

Lukaku returned to Chelsea for a second spell and was signed for a club-record £97.5million last summer, but the move hasn’t gone to plan amid controversy, injuries and Covid. 

The Belgian striker found himself making headlines for all the wrong reasons, after a controversial, unsanctioned interview with Sky Sport Italia in which he mentioned “not being happy” and “wanting to give back to Inter” – comments which infuriated many Chelsea fans. 

Things have never been the same ever since, and Lukaku hasn’t been able to deliver on the pitch either to take away the attention from his earlier remarks. A public apology didn’t help his case either and now less than a year since returning to Stamford Bridge, he is pushing for an exit. 

Lukaku’s love for Inter and his desire to don the Nerazzurri blue and black again may not necessarily translate into a return to Italy this summer, as per Kristof Terreur. Speaking on the subject, he said:

“He clearly wants away from Chelsea – but going back to Inter is not an easy one.

“They have a very tight budget and would probably have to take him on loan or do a player swap but that does not happen often. It will be a very difficult deal.”

What happens if Lukaku ends up staying at Chelsea?

Chelsea are readying themselves for a squad overhaul this summer. Not just Lukaku, but the club is also prepared to entertain offers for Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner. 

Inter have their sights set on other acquisitions too, including free-agent Paulo Dybala who is likely to demand a significant salary. They also already have the likes of Edin Dzeko, Joaquin Correa and Lautaro Martinez in their ranks already, so they are not exactly desperate to bring in a striker for a significant fee at the moment. 

Signing Lukaku would require Inter to do a lot of calculations to balance their books. Given the circumstances, and Inter’s already existing financial troubles, it does seem like Lukaku wants Inter more than they want him – so a deal at this point in time seems very difficult to happen. 

More Chelsea news:

• 30-year-old Serie A superstar ‘tempted’ by Chelsea’s £165k-a-week offer
• Report: Chelsea set to submit €40m bid for top South American defender
• Injury News: Chelsea superstar withdraws from international duty due to fitness issue

If Lukaku ends up staying at Chelsea, the Blues will be left with a club-record acquisition who doesn’t have the desire any longer to play for the club, which is not an ideal situation for anyone involved.