Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has joked with an Inter Milan fan on holiday regarding Romelu Lukaku’s situation at the club.
This comes after the 29-year-old reportedly wishes to rejoin Inter in the summer after a less than successful season at Stamford Bridge.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuchel joked with an Inter fan during his holiday in Italy regarding Lukaku.
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Recent reports have stated that a return to the Serie A side is on the cards for Lukaku, with both Chelsea and Inter Milan currently in talks over how a deal can be struck.
The forward scored just 15 goals on his return to Chelsea, half the amount that he managed in Italy last season.
While Inter are unlikely to be able to afford a permanent transfer for the striker, a loan has been discussed as Chelsea look set to demand £20 million for a season-long move.
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The Blues are set to grant Tuchel control over the transfer window this summer as the German could choose to cut ties with Lukaku after a controversial interview in December, where he criticised the head coach’s system and admitted that he dreamed of a return to Inter in the future.
During a holiday trip in Italy, Tuchel has joked with fans of Inter Milan regarding Lukaku’s situation as he was out for dinner one night, it has been revealed.
After having lunch at a restaurant in Italy, Tuchel ‘had a good laugh’ with an Inter fan, with Lukaku the subject of his joke.
Owner of the restaurant where Tuchel was eating, Eulo Mattioni, revealed: “Tuchel was very kind, we had a good laugh over the Lukaku situation, he ordered two pizzas for himself and his partner, congratulated us on the restaurant and its location. It was lovely.”
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The context of the joke remains unclear, as Tuchel seems to be aware of the interest in Lukaku from his former employers.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is the latest person to deliver his verdict on the Belgian’s future, as he said: “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.
"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."
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The future remains unclear as Tuchel is set to rebuild his Chelsea squad in the summer, with or without the number nine.
Topics: Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Football
Nick Emms