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Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku 'thinking about Inter Milan exit' as second bid prepared
Chelsea are determined to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window slams shut.
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Chelsea are preparing a new bid for Romelu Lukaku, according to reports. Thomas Tuchel wants the Inter Milan star to lead his attack next season. And though a transfer won’t be straightforward, the Blues are hopeful they’ll be able to get a deal over the line.
Chelsea want to sign Lukaku with Borussia Dortmund refusing to let Erling Haaland leave.
Haaland had been a priority target for Tuchel but, with the Bundesliga giants already losing Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, they’re in no mood to sell.
On Monday, it was revealed Chelsea had seen a bid for Lukaku turned down. Marcos Alonso was included in the operation but Inter aren’t willing to talk.
And, now, Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the west London giants are preparing a new bid for Lukaku.
It’s claimed they’re willing to pay as much as £102million to re-sign the Belgium international, a decade after they first brought him to the club.
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And Inter will supposedly find that tough to turn down if they agree to stump up the cash all at once, instead of using a swap deal to drive a fee down.
Lukaku himself is said to be ‘thinking about’ a potential returns to the Premier League.
Publicly, the former Manchester United and Everton star has insisted he’s happy at the San Siro and looking forward to the new season under Simone Inzaghi.
Yet it appears that now isn’t the case, with Lukaku yet to turn Chelsea down.
With the Blues preparing another offer, and the striker open to moving back to England, the noises are positive about Chelsea’s prospects of striking a deal.
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But they’ll have to be wary after previously missing out on the Belgian in 2017, when Antonio Conte was in charge.
Conte wanted to sign Lukaku, telling Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that the 28-year-old was necessary for the club to win the Premier League title again.
Yet the Blues stalled and, in the end, the player left Everton for Manchester United instead.
Speaking at the time, Lukaku revealed he chose United because they were the ‘biggest club in the world’.
“When [Manchester United] came calling, I didn’t have to think twice. So I’m really delighted to hopefully be part of their history,” he said.
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When quizzed specifically on Chelsea’s interest, he then said: “Who would say no to the biggest club in the world?
“Best stadium in England. The best fans. This is the perfect opportunity. I always said I wanted to play for a team that’s challenging for every trophy that there is.
“I think Manchester United at the minute wants to be the dominant team, that dominant force.
“If you look at their history, it says enough. To become part of a club like them is something that I really wanted. I’m thankful for the opportunity that they gave me.
“Now it’s time to work hard, work harder than I ever did before. I’m willing to do it. Hopefully, it will come a good way.”
Lukaku also revealed he had no issues with Jose Mourinho, who didn’t give him a chance at Chelsea.
“[Mourinho is] a guy who I wanted to play for since I was 10 years old, so now to have the opportunity to work under him again is great,” he said.
“We’ve been in contact. He explained to me how the club was like, what he expects from me.
“You know, we were together under different circumstances. Obviously, the first time when I met him, I was still a young kid, and I was eager to play.
“And he understood my decision why I left at the time. I returned on the pitch. Now I’m 24. I’m a grown man.
“He sees the maturity that has grown throughout the years, so I’m really thankful for the opportunity he gave me again.”