Chelsea have suffered a blow in their reported bid to sign Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan this summer as an alternative for Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. The Blues are eager to sign a new striker this summer, and had been linked with Lukaku.
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Inter have now agreed a deal with US based financial company Oaktree Capital.
The club will bring in £263million in order to offset some of the losses suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Inter said: "Following a process of due diligence and with a collective long-term vision of the project, Inter have today finalized a financing deal with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management.
“With this financing deal, the shareholder will continue supporting Inter to overcome their difficulties and the opportunities lost during the COVID-19 period.”
Chelsea suffer Romelu Lukaku transfer setback as Inter Milan make off-pitch move (Image: GETTY)
The financing will apparently be used, in part, to buy out the minority stake of Hong Kong investment firm LionRock, which owns 31 per-cent of the club.
It will also provide the club with breathing space ahead of a busy summer transfer window.
While players are still expected to be sold, it's unlikely they'll have to slash their wage bill as drastically as they were originally expected to.
That could lead to them keeping hold of Lukaku and Martinez, who will be crucial to Inter's chances of retaining Serie A next year as well as competing in the Champions League.