Chelsea could strike part-exchange deal with Inter Milan after Romelu Lukaku reveal – pundit
Chelsea could strike a part-exchange deal with Inter Milan which sees Romelu Lukaku return to the Italian club, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Blues will be seeking “potential buyers” for the wantaway 28-year-old this summer.
Lukaku gave a notorious Sky Italy interview earlier this year (1 January), in which he claimed he would have stayed at Inter Milan if he had been offered a new deal.
A Chelsea source told Football Insider on Sunday (20 March) that £97million star Lukaku is “not happy” and wants to quit the Stamford Bridge club this summer.
According to Calciomercato earlier this month (12 March), the Belgian hitman is willing to take a pay cut to return to Inter Milan – with the Nerazzurri exploring all options ahead of the summer window.
Whelan claimed Chelsea must not stand in the way of a San Siro return this summer.
“Lukaku really hasn’t done himself any favours,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Especially coming out publicly as he did and doing interviews, saying that he’d love to go back to the club he’s only just left.
“To me, that sent alarm bells ringing straight away. Come the summer, I think Chelsea will be looking for potential buyers – that’s for sure.
“If he wants to go back to Inter, let him go. Try and recoup as much as possible, or maybe a player could be included.
“If there’s anyone in that Inter Milan side who looks a handy player, who wants to play for Chelsea – then include him in that deal.”
Lukaku netted 30 goals in all competitions for Inter last term.
The Belgian has notched just 12 strikes since his Chelsea return.
In other news, Blues star reaches agreement in principle on summer exit.