Blues make further progress in negotiating premature return for 29-year-old star

Chelsea and Inter Milan continue to plot Romelu Lukaku exit plan

Discussions continue between Chelsea and Inter Milan as the two clubs try to find a mutually agreeable solution that would take Blues’ big-name-signing-turned-outcast Romelu Lukaku back to San Siro. 

According to the Athletic’s David Ornstein (Subscription Required), the possibility of a loan deal is being discussed by the two clubs but there is one major stumbling block that is thought to be slowing things down. 

The 29-year-old striker’s loan fee needs negotiating, but that’s not the biggest hurdle. Inter are ready to cover the entirety of Lukaku’s salary – which Chelsea appreciate, and a €5million loan fee – which Chelsea don’t. The West Londoners are expecting more, but a resolution in this regard is expected to be reached. 

The major resistance to finding a solution right now seems to be Chelsea’s desire to bring players in the opposite direction. The Blues have so far retained a keen interest in right-back Denzel Dumfries and centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, whereas Inter are understood to be preferring a straight deal with no other players involved. 

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is yet to be fully convinced that allowing the striker to leave on loan is the best idea. Lukaku has established a good rapport with the American and is choosing to remain affectionate and professional towards the club during this time. 

Have we approached the point of no return?

Yes, it does seem that way. Events over the last 10 months, stemming from an unsanctioned Sky Italia interview, have seemingly burnt the bridge between Lukaku and Thomas Tuchel. 

If the striker stays on, it is only likely to get worse and affect the entire squad as a whole. It remains in the best interest of everyone that Lukaku’s exit is negotiated and attained at the earliest. 

It’s a very tough and expensive pill to swallow for Chelsea. Conceding the failure of a £97.5million signing is never pleasant, and the Lukaku saga is likely to make the Blues think twice before sanctioning such astronomical deals. 

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Right now, it’s about damage control. Ensuring the striker leaves as soon as possible is the first step. We have Timo Werner right now but letting Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud last summer means that the club would be smart to get a new face in- granted Lukaku leaves.

It would be a surprising sight if Armando Broja turns out to be that man because the fans would then ask the question- why could it have not been Tammy in the first place?