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Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has ‘a special place’ for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku in his plans, according to reports in Italy.
The 29-year-old could make a sensational return to the San Siro just a year after leaving for a record fee.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Inzaghi is ‘obsessed’ with the idea of bringing Lukaku back to Inter in the summer.
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The forward arrived for £97.5 million last summer but failed to adapt to Thomas Tuchel’s system, leaving questions surrounding his future.
The most recent reports have stated that a return to Inter is on the cards, with both clubs in talks over how a deal can be struck.
A loan move seems the most likely option due to Inter’s financial situation, with Chelsea set to demand a loan fee of at least £20 million.
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Tuchel’s side also wish for an option to buy to be included in the deal, while Inter may not be able to afford close to the fee that they sold the Belgian for.
Chelsea will grant Tuchel control over the transfer window this summer, allowing him to decide on incomings and outgoings as Lukaku’s time could come to an end.
Despite the rumours, Chelsea Technical and Performance Advisor Petr Cech backed the forward to get back to his best next season.
"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," said the former Blues goalkeeper.
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"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."
Chelsea will look for a ‘specialist replacement’ if they are to sell or loan Lukaku this summer, with it unclear as to who they could look to bring in.
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Raheem Sterling, Ousmane Dembele and Christopher Nkunku have all been linked in recent days as Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus could be seen as a ‘specialist’ for the number nine position.
With Inzaghi keen on Lukaku, a transfer this summer looks increasingly likely after the window opened on June 10.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku, Football
Nick Emms