Chelsea's hopes of re-signing Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan have hit a setback with the striker hinting he is not looking to leave the Italian giants.
The Blues are in the hunt for a leading marksman this summer and have turned to the Belgian who was on their books between 2011 and 2014 but being unable to score in just 15 games having been signed from Anderlecht for £18million.
However, since leaving Stamford Bridge the 27-year-old has blossomed into one of Europe's deadliest strikers and this season has scored 27 goals in 41 games for Inter.
In doing so he has helped the San Siro outfit end Juventus's nine-year domination of Serie A and earned Inter their first league title since 2010.
Lukaku celebrated title success with fans as he took to the streets in his car, revealing his pride in playing for the Italian giants.
‘I am so happy for all the Inter fans in the world, for the team, the staff, the president and everyone,’ Lukaku told Sky Sport Italia. 'It was a wonderful year for us, I am truly proud to play for Inter.
‘I wanted to come out here and celebrate along with the people. I told my friend this was the best way to experience it, to be there with the fans.
‘For me and many of my teammates, this is our first league title, so it’s a moment we wanted to share with them.’
Lukaku came close to landing Inter a trophy last year having tasted defeat in the Europa League final during his first season in Italy, where he struck 34 goals in 51 games having rebuilt his reputation following a mixed spell at Manchester United.
Asked whether this was the best season of his career, Lukaku responded by hinting he was happy to stay at Inter by targeting future success at the club.
‘Last year was good too, but yes, this was the best of my career. It’s wonderful and I hope to continue like this. I want to thank everyone, I am truly so happy.'
Although Lukaku is happy to stay at Inter, the Italian club's poor finances post-Covid mean they may be forced to offload their assets - with Chelsea ready to pounce.
However, it may take a bid of at least £105million to prize Lukaku away from the San Siro, with the Blues having also shown interest in Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
riealpsu
505
Anywhere you find life suitable, make that area ur home
danmusa015
463
Me I don't still get it. I'm not saying I want a comparison again ooo,but: Kai Havertz:8 goals and 8 assists Paul Pogba:6 goals and 7 assists Havertz has 2,235 minutes this season,Pogba has 2,412 minutes. Apparently Pogba is being hyped because he's playing with Bruno,but Havertz is a generational flop. But we're the hoodlums. 🤦♂️
dennisachafu
306
I don't see this news as a blow rather I saw it as a good news. Signing Lukaku for £105m at 27 years is a waste of resources because you will get nothing if you want to resell him. Jose Mourinho sold Lukaku to Everton around £28m but since then, we have refused to move on. Please, let's accept that we made a mistake in selling Lukaku and move on. Chelsea should forget about Lukaku and move on.
ELIKEMSAM
12
Me I don't still get it. I'm not saying I want a comparison again ooo,but: Kai Havertz:8 goals and 8 assists Paul Pogba:6 goals and 7 assists Havertz has 2,235 minutes this season,Pogba has 2,412 minutes. Apparently Pogba is being hyped because he's playing with Bruno,but Havertz is a generational flop. But we're the hoodlums. 🤦♂️
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Harvetz has played most of his games as a striker. get that. Pogba mostly as defensive midfielder, a number 8. Pogba has created more chances and is by far skillful and a world class. Harvetz is young and up and coming. He has the future to do what Pogba has done in his carrier. If you like, we can compare other young players who have scored more goals and assist than Harvetz but are not even mentioned anywhere. It's not about the stats, you can't compare that kid with Pogba any day and anywhere.