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Inter Milan president Steven Zhang has ‘baulked’ at the requested loan fee by Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku, as well as the player’s wages, according to reports.
The 29-year-old looks set for a return to the San Siro this summer following a disappointing season under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.
Talks have continued between Inter and the Blues as co-controlling Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is playing an instrumental part in talks, agreeing to allow Lukaku to depart this summer.
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Inter’s financial situation means that they cannot afford to re-sign the Belgian on a permanent basis this summer, with a loan move looking to be the most likely outcome.
However, it appears that Inter president Zhang has ‘baulked’ at Chelsea and Lukaku’s demands this summer.
The Athletic report that the impending deal is being held up by Zhang, with the club in favour of the current proposal.
However, the president has ‘baulked’ at the current demands as Chelsea name their price.
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The Blues want a guaranteed €10 million and expect Inter to cover the full salary that Lukaku demands.
The Belgian is expected to take a pay-cut to secure a return to Inter this summer but it remains to be seen as to whether Zhang will accept the demands of the forward.
There is reportedly optimism around the deal but Zhang ‘remains to be convinced’, with talks set to continue.
This comes after Inter CEO Beppe Marotta stated that a deal would not be concluded on Monday.
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He said: "Absolutely not.
"More generally, I say that we have a duty to create a competitive team while respecting sustainability.
“Surveys and negotiations are intertwined, but the football manager must try all avenues without being afraid of not hitting the goal.
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“Lukaku is a viable track but there are still some difficulties and we have to evaluate if there are the right conditions to do it."
It remains to be seen as to when a deal will be confirmed, with Zhang the only obstacle standing in the way of the 29-year-old’s sensational return to Inter Milan less than a year after his departure.
Scoring just 15 goals across the season, Lukaku is set for a Stamford Bridge departure on an initial loan this summer.
He will be hoping to rediscover his form in Italy, where he scored 30 goals in his final season at the San Siro, lifting the Serie A title under Antonio Conte.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku, Football, Premier League, Transfers