There has already been contact between Inter Milan and Chelsea over the option of Romelu Lukaku extending his stay in Serie A, according to reports.
Lukaku returned to Inter on loan from Chelsea over the summer after his second spell with the Blues did not go to plan. The striker had felt more comfortable with the Nerazzurri, so headed back there on a deal until the end of the season.
After that, he should be at Chelsea’s disposal again, but there will be some doubts over their plans for him. Despite a contract lasting until 2026, it might be better for them to end their association for good.
Since linking up with Inter again, Lukaku has scored once from three Serie A appearances. There has already been talk of a longer stay at San Siro, though.
Gianluca Di Marzio recently told Sky Sports that Inter could try to take Lukaku on loan again next season. Once again, they would have to pay for his services.
Inter spent a fee of €8million (around £6.9million) to enjoy Lukaku’s services for 2022-23. If they want him in 2023-24 as well, they might have to pay the Blues €10million (which would currently equate to £8.7million).
And after the player pushed to join them again in the summer, they know they have him on side.
Now, Calciomercato is also carrying a report about Inter trying to benefit from Lukaku for longer. The transfer-oriented website claims contact between Inter and Chelsea is already open regarding Lukaku.
So far, they may have discussed the idea of another loan in the 2023-24 season. After all, the report points out that Lukaku has little intention of returning to Chelsea. Simultaneously, there is not much room in Graham Potter’s plans for the Belgium international.
Inter Milan appreciation of Romelu Lukaku is clear
Hence, Lukaku could end up entering a second season of his second spell with Inter. The fact they are already thinking about that so soon into his first shows just how much they believe in him.
Of course, during his previous spell at San Siro, Lukaku scored 64 goals from 95 games. His original stint culminated in them winning the Serie A title.
There will be big ambitions again now he is back with Inter. It does not look like Chelsea will be part of his immediate future, despite the major investment they made in him last year.
Lukaku’s ability is not up for question, but perhaps Inter are simply a better fit for him than Chelsea were. After all, he struggled across two spells with the west London club.
They could have found an ideal solution for keeping him away for longer, which would seemingly make all parties happier. There is plenty of time ahead for them to discuss a renewal of his loan with Inter.
