Inter Milan will refuse to include Denzel Dumfries in any deal for Romelu Lukaku this summer as they enter talks with Chelsea, according to reports in Italy.
The 29-year-old Chelsea forward looks set for a sensational return to the San Siro after a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Inter Milan have ‘rebuffed’ Chelsea’s interest in a swap involving Dumfries.
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This comes following reports that Chelsea had identified Inter pair Stefan de Vrij and Dumfries as potential transfer targets to be used in their negotiations with Inter for Lukaku.
Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta are currently the only two natural right wing-backs in Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea squad, with the Spaniard linked with a move to Barcelona this summer.
Chelsea were linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi last summer, when he was on the books of Inter, and could enter the market for a player to provide competition for James once more.
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The Italian outlet continues to report that Inter and Chelsea will move forward with talks regarding a loan move for Lukaku, with the Blues expecting to be paid close to what they bought the Belgian for last summer.
The report continues to state that a paid loan is the most likely option, but Chelsea have now ‘probed the possibility’ of a swap deal of some kind.
A few of Inter’s current players appeal to Tuchel’s Chelsea, with Dumfries reportedly the main focus in any swap deal.
However, Inter Milan are unwilling to part company with their right-back, a year after signing him to replace Hakimi.
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Therefore, Chelsea must look for another option in order to see Lukaku return to the San Siro.
The Blues have been reportedly demanding a loan fee of £20 million, with an option to buy included in any deal for Lukaku.
It is unclear as to whether Inter would agree to this, as they look to finalise the move before the end of June.
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It was revealed that ‘Inter will be aiming to get a signing over Lukaku over the line before the end of June’ because this would allow the Serie A side to ‘apply the Growth Decree tax benefits to his wages’, and in turn make a move more affordable.
The Blues are set for further negotiations as Lukaku has his heart set on a return to Italy, if reports are to be believed.
Topics: Chelsea, Inter Milan, Romelu Lukaku, Football
Nick Emms