Chelsea transfer window round-up: June 10 to June 20

2. Romelu Lukaku situation

Toward the end of last year’s transfer window, the Romelu Lukaku return saga began. The Belgian’s highly anticipated Stamford Bridge comeback was enough to excite fans and pundits alike. By the time all parties had signed off on the move, many had Chelsea as a serious challenger to both Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title. Unfortunately, this was far from the reality that unfolded.

Lukaku got off to a great start to life with the Blues, scoring and dominating defenders for fun in his second debut. Sadly, soon came the dreaded, infamous interview that Lukaku did with Sky Italia without the permission of the club, where he said that he was not happy with the situation at the club. He proceeded to question Thomas Tuchel’s system and talked up the prospect of returning to Inter Milan while he is still playing at a “good enough level.” Suffice it to say, this did not go down well with either the club or the fans. This was the start of the downfall as Tuchel then started preferring Kai Havertz over Lukaku. He seemingly only used the Belgian international from the bench for the remainder of the year.

After the season ended, reports came out that Lukaku has been sending messages to the Inter Milan directors and board members since December saying that he wants to return and that he would do everything to convince Chelsea to sell him. The Blues have now made the sale of Lukaku their top priority this summer.

All types of deals have been discussed between the two parties. Chelsea even requested to include players like Alessandro Bastoni, Denzel Dumfries, Lautaro Martinez and Milan Skriniar, but they saw their requests rejected. Now, the final demands from Chelsea to Inter Milan are a €10 million loan fee plus add-ons for the one-season move. It is still not abundantly clear whether the Blues will be paying any of Lukaku’s wages or whether the deals include an obligation to buy option, but reports have stated that Todd Boehly wants the entirety of the striker’s wages covered. The only thing left for Inter to do in this move is get the green light from club president Steven Zhang. After completing this deal, Chelsea will start working on other deals. Therefore, expect this move to be confirmed or even completed within a week.

Good riddance, if you ask me.