Chelsea attacker ready to take a pay cut to seal exit as Vlahovic update emerges

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at Inter Milan, is in favour of sealing an exit. CFC are hoping to invest in a lethal striker this summer and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is one of the many names being considered. A new striker arrival could see Lukaku depart as he will no longer be the first choice.

Lukaku was signed for a record breaking €115 million in the 2021 summer transfer window. However, his second stint at Chelsea has not gone as per plan. After an unfruitful season, CFC shipped him out on loan last summer. The Belgian was more than happy to return to Inter Milan, where he had netted 64 goals in 95 games in two seasons.

It was a straight loan deal where the Nerazzurri would pay a certain amount as loan fees and the Blues would cover a part of €300,000+ per week salary. There was no option to buy but CFC were hopeful that Lukaku will fire and Inter Milan will open talks to discuss a permanent move.

Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku wants to extend Inter Milan stay

However, that has not been the case as Lukaku has missed 18 games in all competitions because of injury. It is only this late in the season that the burly Belgian is playing regularly and scoring goals. Lukaku has netted six goals in his last five Serie A games. Lukaku’s form has returned at the right time as Simone Inzaghi’s men prepare for the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City and the Coppa Italia final against Fiorentina.

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has indicated that Lukaku will return to Chelsea after his loan deal expires. However, the Belgian wants to extend his stay at Inter. According to Football Italia, the 30 year old is willing to take a pay cut to seal an exit from Chelsea and extend his stay at Inter. However, CFC will have to give Inter a discount on the loan deal and Inter must also ensure Champions League qualification.

On the other hand, new manager Mauricio Pochettino is yet to decide what he’ll do with Lukaku. The Argentine manager intends to speak with Lukaku before making a decision of including him or excluding him from the project.

Regardless of the decision, CFC are looking to sign a world class striker to avoid goalscoring woes of this season. Juventus forward Vlahovic has emerged as an option. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also been linked. However, as per Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have not submitted any bid for the Serbian striker. He remains to be a target for Chelsea but official talks have not yet opened between the two clubs.

Will Romelu Lukaku stay at Inter Milan?