Romelu Lukaku On Verge Of Chelsea Exit As Chelsea Ready Move For Attacking Replacements

Romelu Lukaku is believed to be close to completing his move away from Chelsea to re-sign for Inter Milan this summer, according to reports.

The 29-year-old made a return to the Blues from Inter last summer for a club record fee of £97.5 million, having originally left to join Everton in 2014.

He netted four goals in his opening four games four the club, including a 15 minute opener on his debut against Arsenal at the beginning of his second stint.

However his form over the rest of the season fluctuated, and it soon became apparent that he wasn’t happy with his situation at the club.

Despite being at Chelsea for less than a year, it is now looking likely that he will not be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the coming season.

Romelu Lukaku for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool. (Alamy)

According to The Telegraph, Inter are very close to re-signing the Belgian international ahead of the new campaign.

He originally joined the club in 2019 from Manchester United, eventually winning the Serie A title in his second season before deciding to return to Chelsea.

His departure from Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks will now allow the Blues to turn their attention to new incomings, with Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling being a recent development in terms of potential transfer activity in west London this summer.

It is believed that the Citizens would ask for around £60 million in order to sell the 27-year-old, despite him having just one year left on his contract.

Chelsea are also confident of being able to complete the signing of the attacker this summer, with Tuchel’s side looking to launch a Premier League title challenge next season.

Raheem Sterling for Manchester City against Norwich City. (Alamy)

Sterling’s future at City is still unclear and he has had interest from other Premier League sides, although moves to either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur are not said to be on his list of options.

A move will not take place until Lukaku’s departure has been finalised but there is a chance that come next season, Sterling will be playing in blue for Chelsea.

Among other names being linked with moves to west London is fellow City star Nathan Ake, who Tuchel is said to be a ‘big fan’ of.

The Dutchman has already played for Chelsea, making 17 appearances for the club in total before leaving on a permanent deal in 2017 to join Bournemouth.

He then signed for City in 2020, winning two Premier League titles at the Etihad Stadium since then.