Romelu Lukaku probably cannot leave the Blues this summer. Even if he wants a move back to Inter Milan, it just does not look likely to happen. The £97 million price tag placed on the centre-forward is too high a price for any team, never mind Chelsea, to lose profit on. In the world of realities, Marina Granovskaia will not be able to negotiate her way to receiving the same amount that she bought the striker for.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia ), Lukaku's former club, Inter Milan, maybe open up to the idea of the Belgian's return. They have not ruled out making a move for the Belgian this summer, and whilst Chelsea fans may lick their lips at this possibility, it probably isn't the wisest move. Quite apart from the fact that Lukaku looks to be a better version of himself towards the end of the season, there is just no way that he leaves the club without some sort of financial gain.
In fact, it doesn't surprise me that a loan move back to Italy might be the only option for Lukaku at this time. With Antonio Rudiger out the door this summer, there's an option that the Nerazzurri can take.
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According to CDS journalist Guido De Carolis: "Lukaku can only return to Inter on loan. The Nerazzurri cannot buy him, but he can come back on loan. It depends on Chelsea and Tuchel. Lukaku doesn't want to stay with this coach."
It's no surprise that the Belgium international is reportedly disinterested in staying on board with Thomas Tuchel. He had previously told Sky Italia that the boss plays a system that does not suit him. Pundits, including Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, have previously pointed out the downsides of playing Lukaku in the Chelsea system.
If Lukaku was to make a return to Inter Milan on a loan deal, it would not benefit Chelsea in any way. The Blues will still need to go out and buy another forward without cashing in on the Belgian. They will also be down an extra attacking opinion.
From a fan perspective, the only way I can imagine a Lukaku loan deal is if Inter Milan are ready to include one of their defenders. The Blues will be losing Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and potentially Marcos Alonso, along with Cesar Azpiliccueta. The majority of Chelsea's transfer budget will go towards rebuilding a brand new defence. So how about a swap deal for Inter's Alessandro Bastoni? Lukaku on loan with a bit of cash for their central defender?
We can only dream, can't we? The fan in me would grab this deal with two hands, but realistically, the Nerazzurri will probably laugh at the thought.
