Romelu Lukaku Confident of Securing Loan Deal to Inter Milan
By Aditya Kumar
Chelsea’s mega signing of last season, Romelu Lukaku, has been, to put it lightly, a flop during his return to Stamford Bridge.
Amidst not living up to his price tag, Lukaku also told Sky Sports Italy in December about his dreams of going back to playing for Inter Milan.
In an interview Lukaku said:
"I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more."
Following the closure of the Premier League campaign, it was revealed that Inter Milan actually cannot afford Lukaku’s price tag at the moment.
Inter Chief Executive Giuseppe Marotta stated that Inter are in “no rush” over the Belgian’s potential return to the San Siro. However, he also added that they were keen on re-signing him in some form or the other during the summer window.
Now according to a recent report, Inter Milan are confident that they will sign Lukaku on a loan deal in the summer.
"Inter Milan and Chelsea have held talks regarding Romelu Lukaku’s return to the San Siro on loan; Belgian striker re-joined Chelsea from Serie A club last summer, but scored just eight Premier League goals."
The report adds that there is a €5 million gap between what Inter Milan are willing to pay, in terms of a loan fee, and what Chelsea wants to pay. Chelsea want around €10 million for Lukaku, while Inter are ready to shell out only €5 million.
The Blues are also said to want the “majority”, if not, all of Lukaku’s wages to be paid for, which comes to around €350k-per-week Euros a week.
Romelu Lukaku, on the other hand, is desperate to make the move happen and is even ready to take a significant salary cut for it. One can understand his logic, seeing the big Belgian enjoyed some of his best football at the club and was rewarded with some silverware.
During his two-season stay at the San Siro, Lukaku featured 95 times (86 starts), scored a mammoth 64 goals and assisted a further 17.
During a shorter stint as the Stamford Bridge, was something like being on a season-long holiday; he only managed to play 42 games across all competitions and scored an embarrassing low of 13 goals while aiding no teammate with an assist.
Related Story. What Is Lukaku’s Plan For Next Season. light
The loan, at least for now, seems to be only one year long. But depending on I Nerazzurri finances and the Belgian’s form, it may get extended or the move might be made permanent. As of now, talks are only of a one-year loan.