Faced with the prospect of interest in their main strikers, Inter decided to cash in on Romelu Lukaku and retain Lautaro Martinez for two key reasons, Italian media claim.
According to Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, and as reported by FCInter1908.it, the Nerazzurri chose to sell Lukaku to Chelsea and reject all approaches for Martinez because they felt the Belgian could demand a higher price.
Lukaku is on the verge of completing a return to the Premier League in a deal thought to be worth a Serie A record €115 million and the additional income he would bring in over Martinez was a considerable factor.
Similarly, Inter felt more inclined to hold on to Martinez due to his age, with the 23-year-old five years younger than Lukaku and having a longer term future at the club.
This prompted the Nerazzurri to authorise the sale of Lukaku this summer and focus on building their future around Martinez.