Chelsea’s new owners have spoken to Romelu Lukaku directly in an attempt to resolve the club’s record signing’s future.
Last summer, the Belgium international returned to Stamford Bridge as the final piece in Thomas Tuchel’s jigsaw.
Lukaku arrived in a record £97 million transfer from Inter Milan 12 months ago after failing to make the mark during his first tenure at the West London club earlier in his career.
Lukaku’s form deteriorated after a promising start, and he appeared to be unsuited to Thomas Tuchel’s tactics.
Lukaku’s relationship with his boss deteriorated further after a contentious interview he gave to Italian media. During the second half of last season, the manager frequently chose Kai Havertz over the former Manchester United striker.
Luaku has made no secret of his desire to return to Inter this summer, and the Telegraph claims that Chelsea’s new owners, led by Todd Boehly, will not stand in the way of the 29-year-old as long as any deal benefits the Blues.
Chelsea sought a one-off payment of £20 million, prompting Inter Milan to balk at the thought of signing on a season-long loan agreement.
Boehley’s relationship with Lukaku’s representatives, Roc Nation, however, could help ensure a satisfactory resolution for all parties.
However, Boehley’s familiarity with Roc Nation, Lukaku’s representation, may aid in a satisfying arrangement for all parties.
The American is a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, both of which have worked with Roc Nation on commercial and player-based deals. DJ Augustin, a Lakers guard, has joined the Roc roster.
Regardless of Lukaku’s future, Chelsea is expected to be active in the transfer market this summer after failing to stay up with Manchester City and Liverpool last season, as well as the losses of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
‘I think everybody knows where we are in terms of the team. Of course we will try to strengthen the team.
‘We want to do the best possible and be ready to compete next season. It’s going to be a tough season with a World Cup in-between so we need to be ready for that.’