Despite a possible return to Inter Milan, new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino expects Romelu Lukaku to join the club’s pre-season.
Following a disastrous campaign, the Blues have appointed the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain coach at the helm of the technical staff.
For his part, the Belgian striker has no intention of lingering at Stamford Bridge. He joined the club for a second stint in the summer of 2021, before running back to the Giuseppe Meazza following a solitary disappointing campaign in West London.
However, Lukaku only returned to Inter on a dry loan that expired last week. Therefore, the Italians must once again negotiate a deal that secures the player’s services for next season. But in the meantime, Pochettino expects him to report to training.
Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino Expects Romelu Lukaku To Report To Chelsea Pre-Season
Chelsea unveiled the Argentine as the club’s new manager on Friday afternoon. When asked about the Belgian’s future, he insisted that the player must join his teammates for pre-season if he’s still under contract by the 12th or 13 of July.
“Everyone knows what we think,” said Pochettino in his first Chelsea press conference via the Daily Mail.
“In that case, he needs to come back on the 12th or 13th to be part of the squad to start pre-season.
“When he arrives the first thing he’ll do is come to my office and say hello. If he is still a Chelsea player, I expect the same.”
For their part, Inter are determined to bring the bomber back to the club. The expected sale of André Onana should provide the club with the necessary funds.
