Both Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku won the Serie A title with Inter Milan this year and are linked with a transfer to Chelsea. (imago Images)
According to Italian publication La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Mirror), former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has rejected the opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The big Belgian never quite made much of an impression at Chelsea. However, he has thrived elsewhere, impressing at Everton and Manchester United before emerging as one of Serie A’s best strikers at Inter Milan.
His performances have not gone unnoticed at the Bridge as Chelsea plot a move for a new striker. The Blues have already sold Olivier Giroud and could soon follow suit with Tammy Abraham. With an uninspiring Timo Werner leading the line, it is imperative that we reinforce the position this summer.
Erling Haaland and Lukaku are among the club’s transfer targets. With Borussia Dortmund keen to keep hold of the former, Chelsea are ready to splash the cash on the latter. The Blues are ready to make a stunning bid of £110.6million for the player and pay him an impressive £8.5million per season in wages.
It is however not enough to tempt the player who has politely declined a reunion. The 28-year-old is happy at the San Siro and is unwilling to cut short his spell with the Nerazzurri.
One cannot fault Lukaku for his decision given his experiences in England. A largely loved figure during his time at Everton, he has struggled to win over the fans both at United and Chelsea. Having carved himself a proper niche in Milan, there is little reason for him to return to the Bridge.
A player who has often divided opinion, a homecoming to Chelsea would have given him the opportunity to silence his doubters once and for all. But then one can argue he has already done that by leading Inter to the Scudetto last season. Staying put to repeat the feat would further cement his status at the club.
Lukaku made just 15 appearances for Chelsea during his time at the Bridge, failing to score a single goal. He is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in Europe today and has done well to rebuild his reputation. A homecoming to Chelsea is however not on the agenda.
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