Inter Milan chief stays coy on Romelu Lukaku Chelsea transfer after Champions League final loss

Romelu Lukaku's future was again under scrutiny after Inter Milan lost to Manchester City in the Champions League final, with the club's chief coy on a move for the Chelsea forward

Inter Milan president Steven Zhang has refused to reveal whether Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will remain at the club next season.

The Serie A outfit secured the deal of the century last summer - signing Lukaku on loan just one year after offloading him for £90million. A hamstring injury scuppered the most of the first half of his 2022/23 campaign but the Belgian recovered and rediscovered the golden touch before the Champions League final.

However, Lukaku created the headlines for all the wrong reasons on the big occasion for blundering several big opportunities. In the dying embers, a header straight at Ederson confirmed it was going to be Manchester City’s night in Istanbul.

There have been suggestions that Lukaku could be given another chance at Stamford Bridge by Mauricio Pochettino. With Todd Boehly unlikely to splash as much cash as in recent windows, reintroducing the 30-year-old would provide Chelsea with a cheaper alternative to try and fix their goalscoring woes.

Lukaku remains popular at Inter and has bridges to fix in west London following his public bust-up with former boss Thomas Tuchel. Speaking after their Champions League defeat, Zhang put the ball in Chelsea’s court regarding his future.

"Romelu loves Inter, that’s very clear," Zhang said. "He's a great guy but he’s under contract at Chelsea. We have to wait and speak to Chelsea to make Lukaku’s future clear."

Earlier this year, the striker confirmed his desire to stay at the Serie A giants. Two goals against Empoli triggered speculation about a potential permanent deal.

"I have an excellent relationship with the fans," Lukaku said. "I’ve always tried to give everything for Inter because it gave me the opportunity to win two years ago. This club has allowed me to become who I am today.

"Yes (whether he wants to stay at Inter), but guys you have to pay attention to those things. My goal is to give my best for Inter."