Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has provided an honest verdict on the future of Romelu Lukaku, who has been linked with a Chelsea departure as Inter Milan hold interest in the forward.
The Spaniard previously worked with Lukaku during their time together at Everton before joining the Belgium national team.
The most recent reports have stated that a return to Inter is on the cards for Lukaku, with both Chelsea and Inter Milan currently in talks over how a deal can be struck.
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The Serie A side are facing financial difficulties, so would be unable to offer Lukaku a permanent return as the two sides are negotiating over the potential for a loan move with an option to buy.
The Blues will most likely demand a fee of £20 million to loan the Belgian for the season, after an underwhelming return to Chelsea.
Lukaku bagged 15 goals, finishing the season as the top scorer for Thomas Tuchel’s side but was unable to reach the heights that saw him earn his move to London after netting 30 last season.
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Chelsea’s new owners will grant Tuchel control over the transfer window this summer, allowing him to decide on incomings and outgoings, which could end Lukaku’s spell at Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old took to the Italian press in December to criticise the system utilised at Chelsea, throwing his future into doubt as he admitted that he dreamed of a return to Inter one day.
When asked about the latest controversy surrounding Lukaku, Belgium boss Martinez admitted: "In Belgium we are quite relaxed with Romelu's situation. I know it is a big topic, but at the moment he is trying to recover from the injury and that's the only thing he has in his mind.
“If he stays at Chelsea it'll be for the right reasons. If he's moving away it will be because everyone agrees to it. Romelu is a player I know very well.”
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Martinez then continued to discuss the differences between Lukaku from when he managed him during their time together in Merseyside.
“I managed him at club level (at Everton) at a very young age.
"He was 19 and had a very different position than he has now. Now he's a player who's very mature and very clear what he wants. He wants to be important and enjoy his football. I'm sure the decision in the summer will be the right one."
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for the forward, but there is a big decision to be made on his future this summer.
Topics: Belgium, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Roberto Martinez, Romelu Lukaku, Football
Nick Emms