Romelu Lukaku will leave Chelsea for Inter Milan but the loan deal will not be confirmed on Monday, it has been confirmed by the club’s CEO Beppe Marotta.
The 29-year-old is on the verge of sealing his return to the San Siro after the club’s took a huge step over the weekend in negotiations as they found a breakthrough.
After having an initial offer rejected by the Blues, Inter told Chelsea they would meet their demands of a €10 million plus add-ons loan fee for Lukaku to take him for the 2022/23 season.
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Inter responded and were ready to agree, however had to wait for president Steven Zhang to give the green light.
Late on Sunday night, reports out of Italy confirmed Zhang gave his approval to Chelsea’s financial demands, putting a deal on the verge of completion.
Negotiations, which has seen co-controlling Chelsea owner Todd Boehly play an instrumental part, have granted Lukaku’s wishes of a Stamford Bridge exit, as well as his hopes of returning to Italy before the beginning of pre-season.
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Confirmation of the deal is now imminent, but CEO Marotta has told Italian radio station Radio Anch'io Lo Sport that a deal will not be concluded on Monday.
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."
Once Lukaku’s exit is confirmed, Chelsea will make their move for attacking replacements.
Man City’s Raheem Sterling is a major target for Boehly and Tuchel - the player is open to a move and City are open to the winger leaving if the right offer comes in.
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It’s getting busy at Chelsea as the new owners settle in at Stamford Bridge.
The departure of Bruce Buck as Chairman has been confirmed, he will step down on 30 June.
"I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community,” Buck said in a statement.
“Now is the right time to step down and let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place.
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"The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea's future, and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters."
Marina Granovskaia is set to leave before the end of the transfer window, as per The Telegraph.
Topics: Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Football
Matthew Debono