Inter and Chelsea are starting to inch towards an agreement on a deal for striker Romelu Lukaku.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who report that the Blues are opening up to the Nerazzurri’s offers as increasingly high bids come in, and the two clubs are ready to try and get a deal over the line.
Yesterday, Inter made yet another offer to Chelsea for Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri are now putting €30 million on the plate in terms of a fixed fee. In addition, the Nerazzurri’s bid contains significant add-ons, which could reach right around €40 million if triggered.
Inter have now fully dispensed with loan offers – they know that Chelsea will reject any such bids.
The Londoners want to sell Lukaku once and for all this summer, and Inter are negotiating on this basis.
And, the Gazzetta report, Chelsea appreciate this change in approach. The Premier League giants are now open to Inter’s offers.
Inter Milan & Chelsea Now On The Same Page In Romelu Lukaku Talks
As such, the negotiations are really starting to move along, reports the Gazzetta.
The Nerazzurri’s latest offer is closer than ever to what Chelsea want in order to shake hands on a deal for Lukaku. The two clubs have seemingly arrived at a basis for a deal after weeks of stalling talks due to incompatible approaches.
As such, Inter should be able to bring back Lukaku within the next few days.
Completing a sale of Andre Onana to Manchester United would also be decisive in this respect.
For his part, Lukaku has made clear that he doesn’t want to be part of Chelsea’s preseason at all. The Blues have given him permission to be absent from training, and he has also told them that he has no intention of being part of their preseason tour of the US starting next Monday.
And, the Gazzetta reports, the Belgian has been speaking with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.
The pair are friends off the pitch, and are both hoping to reignite their partnership on it. According to the Gazzetta, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi wants to make the “Lu-La” pairing first-choice next season.
Marcus Thuram, meanwhile, will be a luxury backup option ready to fight for his place with the established duo.