Romelu Lukaku will reject any interest from AC Milan this summer, placing fresh uncertainty over his future.
The Chelsea striker also has no interest in Newcastle, one of the few teams seen as being able to afford his salary and transfer fee.
The Belgium international’s position at Stamford Bridge is under intense scrutiny after being consigned to the fringes by Thomas Tuchel in recent months. He has made only one Premier League start since late February and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on Sunday.
Lukaku has endured a miserable return to Chelsea after his club-record £97.5million move from Inter Milan last summer. He has struggled to adapt to Tuchel’s system, while injuries have also disrupted his campaign.
Meanwhile, his relationship with his manager was strained by his decision to conduct an interview with Italian TV, in which he was critical of Tuchel’s system. While Chelsea’s head coach insisted the situation was resolved, Lukaku has largely been reduced to the role of substitute during the second half of the season.
The player is growing increasingly frustrated by his lack of opportunities, with Tuchel’s decision not to use him at Goodison Park - despite being in desperate search of a goal - surprising sources close to Lukaku.
It has been noted that he remains Chelsea’s joint second-highest goalscorer this season, despite his lack of starts and injury problems.
Tuchel has publicly stated that it is down to Lukaku to prove he can lead his attack and live up to the expectations that accompanied his return to the club. But the German continues to select Kai Havertz ahead of him as a makeshift striker.
That raises serious questions about Lukaku’s future, with major doubts over whether he can convince Tuchel to build his attack around him. Milan have emerged as a potential escape route but Lukaku would be reluctant to further upset Inter fans, who he made such an effort to appease with his ill-judged Sky Italia interview.
Chelsea know there are few clubs who would be willing to offer them anything like the money they paid for Lukaku, which could block any chance of him moving on this summer. His wages, believed to be around £300,000-a-week, would rule out the vast majority of possible suitors.
Newly-rich Newcastle were widely seen as one of the few clubs that would not be put off by the financial package required, even though it is unclear if they have any interest. But it is understood Lukaku would not entertain a move to St James’ Park.
It remains to be seen what approach Chelsea’s new owners take with the former Manchester United player. While Roman Abramovich has largely been prepared to write off big-money signings, his successor may not.
Todd Boehly, who is in exclusive talks to buy the club, has made it clear that he sees sports teams as investment opportunities. It is unlikely he would be comfortable with the most expensive player in the club’s history sitting on the bench.
But the American is also believed to want Tuchel at the heart of his Chelsea revolution, which could mean more misery for Lukaku, whose preference is to stay and turn his fortunes around at the club he supported as a boy.
