Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku has been dealt a setback in his hopes to rejoin Inter Milan this summer, according to reports.
This comes following a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge for the 29-year-old after rejoining Chelsea from Inter.
The forward netted 15 goals all season, half of what he managed during his time in the Serie A the year before.
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Back in December, Lukaku conducted an interview in Italian to repair the relationship with Inter Milan fans, stating that he dreamt of returning to the San Siro one day, throwing his Chelsea future into doubt.
During the sit down with Sky Italy, Lukaku was critical of the Chelsea system adopted by Thomas Tuchel for not getting the best out of him.
This led to a short exclusion before returning to the squad but has thrown his long-term Chelsea future into doubt.
Due to Inter’s struggling financial situation, they are looking to bring Lukaku back on a two-year loan deal with a view to signing him permanently in the future.
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However, as reported by BBC Sport, the move ‘will be difficult’ as Lukaku is handed a setback.
Belgian football expert Kristof Terreur opened up on the difficulties when talking to BBC 5 Live.
He said: “This soap opera has been running since Lukaku gave that interview to Sky Italia in December. He clearly wants away from Chelsea - but going back to Inter is not an easy one.
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"They have a very tight budget and would probably have to take him on loan or do a player swap but that does not happen often. It will be a very difficult deal."
While Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is thought to be a huge admirer of Lukaku, working with him for a brief spell at the beginning of the season ahead of his Chelsea move, former Inter player Antonio Cassano does not believe a return should be on the cards this summer.
He said: “I wouldn’t take him back. He said he was going to his dream team, earning 15 million euros. Now, however, in London he doesn’t kick a ball and would like to return to Italy.
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“Inter’s problem, given that Dybala is coming, is that if they get Lukaku they have to sell Lautaro. Again, I would not sign Lukaku.
“Also because first of all you have to pay for him, but then you have to see the reaction of the fans: if he scores two goals per game, okay, but otherwise the situation becomes quite difficult.
“Lukaku has to think about it. At this point, I say he stays at Chelsea.”
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Lukaku, with the deal thrown into doubt and several Inter fans and former players not wishing to see him return this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan, Football
Nick Emms