Premier League giants Chelsea FC have set a five-day deadline for Italian Serie A club Inter Milan to finalize the transfer deal for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. The 28-year-old forward, who is keen on a move to the UEFA Champions League runners-up, has been the subject of intense negotiation between the two clubs.
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Chelsea management has instructed Lukaku not to resume pre-season training with the team and will only join the Blues once they depart for the United States on Monday. In the meantime, Lukaku has been given the option to stay at the Chelsea Cobham Training Centre and focus on his fitness regime separately from the rest of the squad.
Lukaku, who spent the previous season on loan with Inter Milan, has become a key target for Chelsea in their quest to bolster their attacking options. The London club is demanding a fee of €40 million for Lukaku, while Inter Milan is hoping to negotiate a deal worth €30 million plus additional performance-based add-ons.
In addition to Inter Milan, Lukaku has also been linked with a potential move to Italian giants Juventus, who are eyeing him as a replacement if Dusan Vlahovic departs the club. However, Lukaku has reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, indicating his desire to continue playing in a top European league.
During his loan spell at Inter Milan, Lukaku showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting 10 goals and providing six assists in 25 Serie A appearances. His impressive performances played a crucial role in helping Inter Milan secure the league title.
As the transfer window countdown continues, all eyes are on Inter Milan as they race against time to meet Chelsea’s ultimatum and secure the services of Romelu Lukaku. Will Lukaku reunite with his former club? Only time will tell as the negotiations enter their final stages.
This article was originally published on Sporty9ja.
