Romelu Lukaku has told Chelsea that he has no intention of being part of their preseason plans as he pushes for an Inter Milan move.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Nerazzurri should make a new official offer some time today as both they and Lukaku pile the pressure on Chelsea to agree a deal.
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.
However, the Gazzetta report, the player is going further.
The newspaper report that Lukaku has communicated to Chelsea that he has absolutely no intention of being part of the team’s preseason tour of the US either.
Despite technically being under contract with Chelsea, the Belgian has made his intentions crystal clear. He wants to be an Inter player next season, and is going to dig in his heels.
Inter Milan To Make Chelsea New Offer As Romelu Lukaku Makes Intentions Clear
With Lukaku doing all he can to make the move to Inter happen, the ball is in the Nerazzurri’s court.
The Gazzetta report that Inter’s next offer to Chelsea should arrive some time today.
Inter are in contact with the Blues via Lukaku’s lawyer Sebastien Ledure.
Ledure should present a new formal bid for the Belgian imminently.
Inter will improve their offer from the most recent one that Chelsea have rejected. However, according to the Gazzetta, there is still no chance of the Nerazzurri offering the €40 million are requesting.
Chelsea have already come down from an initial €45 million asking price to €40 million. However, Inter’s line of thinking is different.
The Gazzetta anticipate that Ledure will deliver an offer from the Nerazzurri with a fixed fee of around €30 million.
However, add-ons could be the decisive factor in the bid. Inter could put very significant potential add-ons on the plate, and link these to competitive targets for next season.
