Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of a return to Inter Milan, with the Chelsea forward set for a medical in Italy.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Inter Milan are closing in on the capture of Romelu Lukaku. The Italian giants have reached an agreement with Chelsea over the season-long loan deal of the star forward, with Inter expected to fork out a figure of around £6.9 million in loan fee. They may have to pay an additional £3.4 through bonuses.
Inter Milan are prepared for Lukaku’s medical at Giuseppe Meazza next week, with the Italian media speculating either next Wednesday or Thursday. The transfer should be made official within a week, thus putting an end to an exciting transfer saga.
The prospects of Lukaku’s return to Inter seemed unthinkable about 11 months ago when he had joined the Blues in a deal worth almost £100 million. But the Belgian endured a season to forget, scoring just eight goals in the Premier League, and failing to impose himself under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel.
Lukaku’s comments about Inter also played a key role in his dysfunctional relationship with Tuchel, which led to the forward falling behind Kai Havertz and even Timo Werner in the pecking order. In light of his struggles at Stamford Bridge, the former Manchester United forward was determined to return to Inter.
Romelu Lukaku returns to Inter, here we go and confirmed! Full agreement now signed on loan deal until June 2023, €8 loan fee plus add-ons. ⚫️? #CFC #Inter
▫️ Lukaku’s salary will be around €8m.
▫️ NO buy option or obligation clause.
▫️ Add-ons related to team performances. pic.twitter.com/3sEeQtfXs0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2022
In an attempt to seal his return to Italy, Lukaku has agreed to a hefty 30% pay cut. From earning £10 million per year at Stamford Bridge after tax, he is set to bag only £7 million annually at Inter. It is indicative of the forward’s commitment to right the wrongs after an abrupt exit that did not go well with the Inter Milan supporters.
Lukaku’s return to Serie A should pave the way for Chelsea to sign a new forward in the summer. They are reportedly preparing a fresh offer for the versatile Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, although his teammate Gabriel Jesus is another option for the Blues.
Also Read: Three potential Romelu Lukaku replacements for Chelsea to consider
Meanwhile, at Inter, Lukaku will hope to rekindle his attacking partnership with Lautaro Martinez and once again help the Nerazzurri clinch the Serie A title. Martinez was curiously linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this summer, but the Argentine is likely to remain at Giuseppe Meazza to link up with his old pal Lukaku.
