Inter Milan could offer Chelsea a loan containing a purchase obligation for Romelu Lukaku this summer.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri are considering a formula for a deal that would see them sign the 30-year-old Belgian international permanently to try and convince Chelsea.
As things stand, the situation around Lukaku is clear.
The Belgian only wants one thing – to return to Inter next season.
And for their part, the Nerazzurri have no doubts. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi wants to bring Lukaku back, and the imminent arrival of Marcus Thuram changes nothing.
However, Inter have been trying to agree another loan with Chelsea. The Blues have so far not opened up to the possibility.
How Inter Milan Could Finally Persuade Chelsea On Another Deal For Romelu Lukaku
For their part, Chelsea want to sell Lukaku on a permanent basis once and for all. They are disinclined towards any more loan moves.
Despite the fact that the 30-year-old is still amortized in the Blues’ balance sheet for €68 million over the remaining three years of his contract, Tuttosport report that the Londoners would listen to offers of €40-45 million.
They would like to offload Lukaku for good, even if it means taking a capital loss. Moreover, getting rid of the Belgian’s wages would certainly be welcomed by the Premier League club.
Both AC Milan and Al-Hilal are reportedly keen on Lukaku. They could offer a fee that Chelsea would be just about ready to accept.
However, for his part, Lukaku has no interest in joining either.
The Belgian wants Inter, and expects the clubs to work out a deal. He is also keen to reduce his wages to make the move happen.
As such, the Nerazzurri will return with another offer soon. They hope to have a deal in place by the time Lukaku returns from his vacation in mid-June.
Inter could relent on Chelsea’s demands and offer a permanent deal.
Potential big sales like Andre Onana, Marcelo Brozovic, and Robin Gosens will mean there’s cash on hand.
However, Tuttosport report, it could be something of a compromise – the Nerazzurri are considering offering an initial loan deal, but one which contains the obligation to buy Lukaku outright at the end of it.
That way, Chelsea will get what they want in the form of a guarantee that they offload the player permanently for a fee.
However, for Inter, it would mean spreading the fee out. The Nerazzurri would not have to invest a significant transfer fee right away.
That would be no small matter given Inter’s financial situation.