Chelsea have begun talks with Inter Milan over a sale for Romelu Lukaku, with Thomas Tuchel giving the striker permission to return to Italy.
Lukaku joined the Blues from Inter for a club record fee of £97 million last summer, but he is now desperate to leave Stamford Bridge after only one unsuccessful season in west London.
According to The Telegraph, Inter held positive negotiations with Chelsea’s new co-owner Todd Boehly on Wednesday, with both parties agreeing that a transfer for the Belgium international this summer is the best option.
Lukaku is willing to take a wage reduction to facilitate the transfer, and Chelsea is anticipated to cover a portion of his income.
More discussions on the loan fee, the exact parameters of the transfer, and whether any Inter players will join Chelsea as part of the deal are expected to take place in the coming days.
While a deal is unlikely to be reached this week, both parties are eager to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Tuchel is likewise eager for a swift agreement so that the team can focus on expanding its attacking alternatives.
Chelsea is interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, who is set to become a free agent next month.
Another target is Raheem Sterling, with Manchester City willing to listen to proposals for the England international.
The Blues have also been approached about Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal is anxious to sign the Brazilian international, and Tottenham is also intrigued, but the forward’s representatives are looking at all options.
Chelsea is also considering Christopher Nkunku, who scored 35 goals and supplied 19 assists in 50 games for RB Leipzig last season.