Inter Milan and Chelsea are aiming to wrap up talks for striker Romelu Lukaku by next Monday.
This according to Sky Sport Italia transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, who reported live on air via FCInter1908 that the Nerazzurri are preparing a new offer for the Belgian worth €30-35 million as the Blues want to wrap things up before their preseason tour of the US.
Negotiations are finally starting to really heat up between Inter and Chelsea for a transfer of Lukaku.
Around a week ago, the Nerazzurri seemed to decisively change their strategy in going after the 30-year-old. They accepted the Blues’ absolute rejection of any more loan deals.
Now, Inter have been working to convince Chelsea on the basis of a permanent transfer. The Londoners would be open to this possibility, and now it’s all about finding the right fee.
So far, Chelsea have rejected Inter’s initial offer for Lukaku.
According to Di Marzio, the Nerazzurri’s first bid was worth €25 million.
Di Marzio: Inter & Chelsea Want To Wrap Up Romelu Lukaku In The Next Week
Di Marzio reports that Inter and Chelsea are keen to get the deal done within the next week or so.
This is because next Monday is when the Blues embark on their preseason tour of the US.
Di Marzio confirms that Lukaku will not be part of Chelsea’s preseason training. He has been excused from the squad for the return to the club’s training ground tomorrow.
This sends a clear sign about the intentions of all parties. Chelsea do not see Lukaku as part of the plans, and the player wants a move away.
And Inter look to be the only viable destination, as the 30-year-old has rejected all other possibilities.
Obviously, Chelsea will not want to have Lukaku in tow when they head to the US for their preseason tour.
And both Inter and Lukaku will be very keen to have things settled by that point as well. They want to have the striker working in training with his own team as soon as possible.