Chelsea will have to make a decision soon about the future of striker Romelu Lukaku as the player pushes for a transfer to join Inter Milan.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that the pressure is starting to be on for the Blues to sort out the 30-year-old’s situation as their preseason begins.
Chelsea’s squad return to training today as their preseason begins in earnest.
Lukaku will not be there as new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino assembles his squad for the first time. Chelsea have given the 30-year-old permission to be absent in recognition of ongoing transfer negotiations with Inter.
The Blues understand that there would be little point in having Lukaku in training at this stage when his future is so clearly in the balance.
Clearly, Chelsea are aware of the fact that Lukaku is not a player with a role in their plans. The Belgian wants to leave, and for their part the Londoners don’t want to pay his high wages next campaign.
Chelsea Must Make A Decision Soon About Romelu Lukaku
For his part, Lukaku will do absolutely everything he can to make clear his desire for the transfer to Inter to happen.
Chelsea will head out for their preseason tour of the US next week. Lukaku has indicated to his club that he has no intention of being part of the squad that travels next Monday.
This puts Chelsea in a position of having to figure out a solution within that timeframe.
The Premier League giants would find it hard to leave Lukaku behind if they haven’t found an agreement by Monday. On the other hand, they won’t want to travel to the US with an unhappy player in tow, much less one who is still expected to leave anyway.
Therefore, it’s up to Chelsea to agree a deal with Inter.
The Nerazzurri are ready to make a new offer very soon. Tuttosport report that their highest bid will likely go to around €35 million including add-ons.
Chelsea have been aiming for a €45 million fee, in order to avoid a capital loss. However, they may find themselves accepting lower now that it’s crunch time in negotiations.
