When dealing with Inter Milan a year ago, Chelsea moved quickly to tie up a deal for Romelu Lukaku's return to Italy. Todd Boehly and co worked to ensure that the Belgian forward's future was not debated for long after a difficult time under Thomas Tuchel.
With the Serie A side having missed out on a league title to their city rivals AC Milan, a foray into the Champions League knockout stage was not enough to boost their budget after an expensive period under Antonio Conte that saw the club twice break their transfer record amidst the additional issues the landscape of Covid-19 brought.
Chelsea's desire for Lukaku to depart ensured that Inter could afford to bring the striker back to the club on loan, however, and while his return has had both ups and downs, a journey to the Champions League final has followed under Simeone Inzaghi. Lukaku played his part in holding the ball up before feeding it to Lautaro Martinez to cement a 3-0 win on aggregate.
READ MORE: Chelsea have already completed transfer that means Sadio Mane is not Mauricio Pochettino answer
The 2022/23 season has once again seen Inter go without a Serie A title but arriving at the zenith of European competition with Manchester City or Real Madrid left to face, will see the club earn £76.9m in performance-based prize money from this term's competition but could rise to £80.8million should they win the competition.
That will leave the club in a very different financial position than they have resided in recent years, with stars like Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi being required to depart.
As Giuseppe Marotta recently noted: "I'm not saying the Champions League is a competition that enriches clubs, but it does bring the concept of sustainability closer."
As a result they will be able to extend player contracts and perhaps draw a more lucrative shirt sponsor - they are currently without one due to a dispute with DigitalBits - to provide a bigger draw for a potential new owners, and a more convincing pot to figure out another loan agreement with Chelsea for Lukaku.
They have been coy over the possibility of deal for the 30-year-old, but Lukaku's form has improved and a more attractive financial deal for Chelsea now could be feasible. As the situation has been outlined, it appears very similar to 12 months ago.
Speaking to Sky Italia in April, Inter chief Marotta said: "Lukaku is in love with this club and city, so these are important elements to consider, but the player does not belong to us. He is on loan, he will return to Chelsea on June 30 and we will all evaluate the situation together.
"It is important to note that he is a great professional, he has a great sense of belonging and these are key elements that go alongside the technical and sporting considerations."
However, it will also ensure that Inter can hold out over deals for those they see as key players. The Blues have been linked to a move for Lautaro Martinez as a result of the expected arrival Mauricio Pochettino, while Andre Onana will be an enticing prospect with Chelsea keen to add a goalkeeper.
Inter Milan vice president Javier Zanetti has noted the importance of Martinez already. He said: "I’m very happy for Lautaro, who grows with us every year. He’s a reference for the team. He is so important for us."
A deal for either is sure not to come cheap for the Blues if they hope to move forward on either player.
READ NEXT:
'Incredibly tough' – Chelsea stars should expect Mauricio Pochettino to fix Frank Lampard issue
Chelsea should shock football world by rectifying Thomas Tuchel error with blockbuster transfer
Chelsea have already completed transfer that means Sadio Mane is not Mauricio Pochettino answer
Mauricio Pochettino dealt Chelsea transfer blow as Napoli star makes Manchester United decision
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates coming out of Stamford Bridge
