Inter Milan provides huge escape plan for top Chelsea star who is desperate to leave club

Inter Milan are hoping to keep Romelu Lukaku, and a meeting with Chelsea is scheduled to discuss the striker’s future.

After a disastrous first season back in the Premier League in 2021-22, the Belgian international returned to Inter last summer, with the Serie A club paying €8 million plus €3 million in add-ons.

The 29-year-old has had a difficult season in Italy, scoring just two goals in 11 appearances while dealing with injury and form.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are still interested in extending his contract for next season.

Meanwhile, Lukaku is determined to stay at the Nerazzurri and has no plans to return to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea paid a then-club record fee of £97 million to sign the former Everton and Manchester United striker and are unlikely to recoup anything close to that sum.

Inter are interested in another loan deal this summer and are hoping to spend half as much as they did last summer.

Inter and Chelsea are expected to play each other in March.

Chelsea have spent over £500 million on new signings since last summer, not including the £52 million deal they completed with RB Leipzig in the summer for Christopher Nkunku.

The France international has 17 goals in 23 appearances this season in Germany, and Chelsea fans are hoping he can thrive in a centre forward role in west London.

Nkunku, on the other hand, insists that playing behind the striker is his best role, leaving Chelsea looking for another centre forward this summer after reportedly joining the race to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen.

‘I believe (attacking midfield) is a position that would suit me well. ‘I was close to the goal, behind a striker,’ Nkunku explained.

‘That nicely describes me as a player, so I always enjoy playing in this role.’