Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku could accept a move to Juventus this summer after feeling snubbed by Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi during last month’s Champions League.
This is the claim in a sensational report made by Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Currently, Lukaku’s future is in the balance.
Most reports suggest that the player’s stance is the same as it’s always been – he only wants Inter this summer.
However, that has not stopped some rumours of a shock move to Juventus from emerging.
The longer that Inter fail to work out a deal with Chelsea, the more that the door would seem to be open to other suitors to make their move to sign the Belgian. And the Nerazzurri’s bitter rivals Juventus could be among them.
Whilst a move to the Bianconeri would need Lukaku’s green light, the Corriere claims that he would be willing to give it.
Romelu Lukaku Could Join Juventus After Being Benched In UCL Final
At the heart of why the Corriere anticipates Lukaku could accept a Juventus move is last month’s Champions League final against Manchester City.
Lukaku had hoped to start that match. The 30-year-old had been in blazing form for the final few weeks of the season.
However, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi decided to instead trust Edin Dzeko from the start. Lukaku, on the other hand, came off the bench to play the last half-hour of the match or so.
According to the Corriere, this frustrated the Belgian. As such, it may have planted a seed of discontent regarding his situation at Inter.
Therefore, a couple of weeks ago Juventus approached the player through his lawyer Sebastien Ledure.
The Corriere claims that Lukaku would in fact be receptive to the Bianconeri’s offer. The Turin giants’ idea has always been a prospective swap between Lukaku and Serbian international striker Dusan Vlahovic with Chelsea.
This is the plan that Juventus formulated a couple weeks ago.
If Chelsea are not interested in taking Vlahovic as part of a deal for Lukaku, then there would be no chance of the deal. However, if the Blues are keen, then the Bianconeri would be ready to sign Lukaku.
The Corriere report that Juventus are hoping to sign the Belgian on a three-year deal worth €8 million net per season.
Meanwhile, Inter are pursuing the path of a straight cash offer to Chelsea for Lukaku.
And for their part, the Blues are still hoping to sell the striker to Al-Hilal. The Saudi Pro League club are offering €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
However, one way or another Lukaku is not interested in leaving for Saudi Arabia.
