Inter Milan have been handed a huge boost to their hopes of signing Romelu Lukaku once his loan from Chelsea expires. The 29-year-old returned to the San Siro in the summer on a season-long loan after a permanent move failed to materialise.
Due to the Italian giants' spending restrictions amid Financial Fair Play concerns, the club were not willing to meet the Blues' asking price and sign the Belgium international outright. Instead, the Nerazzurri opted for a loan, and the Blues negotiated a fee to be paid for Lukaku's services.
The striker, who sees his deal at Stamford Bridge expire in 2026, is set to return to west London at the end of the season. But, with Lukaku having already admitted that he doesn't see his prospects at Chelsea improving, he's been heavily linked with staying at Inter for good, and his wish could finally come to fruition.
READ MORE: Every confirmed team Chelsea can face in Champions League Round of 16
Beppe Marotta, the CEO for sport at Inter, has confirmed that the club's budget this season was written up under the assumption that they would not qualify from the Champions League group stages. The Italian giants were seeded into Group C with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Viktoria Plzen.
Against the odds, Inter booked their place in the round of 16 with a 4-0 win over the latter with a game to spare. Bayern topped the group, and Barcelona have been relegated to the Europa League after doing the opposite in the summer transfer window, spending big on the likes of Jules Kounde and Raphinha.
"It would be an important achievement that is part of the consolidation process that started three or four years ago. On a European level, we reached the knockouts last season, so doing it again would be an excellent result," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia, as quoted by Football Italia.
"It is very true. I don't know what Barcelona predicted, but as far as we were concerned, our budget was prudent. Having said that, we wanted to get through, and the draw made it look very difficult, but this evening we can crown a small dream to qualify a game early from an extremely tough group."
With somewhat of a financial leeway unlocked, Inter could now have the funds to table a bid for Lukaku, who is valued at £60.7million by CIES Football Observatory. It remains to be seen how much of a 'financial leeway' is unlocked, though it could be a lifeline should Inter want to keep Lukaku.
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly act creates priceless Joao Felix Chelsea transfer alternative for Graham Potter
Chelsea appoint Joe Shields as Todd Boehly's new co-director of recruitment and talent
The 20 Chelsea seconds that showcased Graham Potter tactical plan and vindicated Salzburg risk
Two youngsters primed to be in Chelsea's Champions League squad versus Dinamo Zagreb
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
