Inter Milan Braced To Match Chelsea's Loan Valuation For Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea and Inter Milan are set for a second day of negotiations to finalise a loan deal for Romelu Lukaku to return to the San Siro, according to reports.

After direct talks were opened this week, Lukaku's position has been clear for some time - he wants to leave Chelsea on at least a temporary basis despite only making the switch to Stamford Bridge last summer for a club-record £97.5 million transfer fee.

Thomas Tuchel's side are willing to let the 29-year-old leave with the German having a 'badly strained' relationship with the Belgium international.

The new owners, despite Todd Boehly not being fully convinced it's the right decision, are ready to sanction Tuchel's wishes which has seen the two club continue discussions in the hope of finding an agreement as soon as possible.

Romelu Lukaku looks on as Chelsea face Plymouth Argyle. (Alamy)

Inter had an opening bid of €5 million plus €2 million in add-ons rejected, but are now expected to make an improved offer which would satisfy Chelsea's demands.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Friday could be a 'decisive day' and Inter are ready to make an offer of between €10 and €12 million to strike a deal with the Blues.

Inter Milan chief executive Alessandro Antonello offered an update earlier this week, admitting: "There is a great desire on the part of Lukaku to return. What needs to be verified are the economic and financial feasibility and the resolution of some technical problems."

Trio Milan Skriniar, Denzel Dumfries and Alessandro Bastoni are of interest to Chelsea, but none of the players would be included in any deal involving Lukaku, it would be separate. However, Inter are believed to not be keen to let go of any of Skriniar, Dumfries or Bastoni.

Romelu Lukaku showing frustration during his time at Chelsea. (Alamy)

Lukaku's future at Chelsea is all but done. The Athletic report that while Tuchel remains in charge of Chelsea, it is 'hard to see a way back' for him.

All parties want to make a deal happen because they believe it is in the best interests of everyone, so an agreement should hopefully come sooner rather than later.

Chelsea's Performance and Technical Advisor Petr Cech said earlier this month that he though Lukaku could have a strong season in 2022-23, but that is unlikely to be at Chelsea with negotiations now advancing.

"I personally believe that he will have a great season because last season we saw how strong he can be at the beginning when he came," insisted Cech.

"Unfortunately, the long-term injury he sustained in the game against (Aston) Villa slowed everything down, then he had Covid as well. We could towards the end of the season he was fit and ready to go again, how strong he is.

"We had a particular season as a team around Christmas with Covid issues, he was one of those players affected too. I have full confidence that he will bounce back, he will have a strong season."