Expert view: What are Chelsea's chances of signing Romelu Lukaku from Inter this summer?

ByGraham Ruthven

Updated 31/05/2021 at 14:19 GMT

Chelsea want to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer after the Belgian helped Inter to the Serie A title with 30 goals in all competitions for Antonio Conte's team. But what are their chances of landing the striker? David Bighiani of the Eurosport Italy office provides some insight on whether or not Lukaku will leave the San Siro in the transfer window.

Chelsea want to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer as Thomas Tuchel continues to build a squad that delivered Champions League glory on Saturday.

The newly-crowned European champions want to add a natural goalscorer to their ranks and Lukaku, who scored 30 times for Inter last season, has emerged as their top target for the transfer window.

Inter’s reported financial troubles have raised the prospect Lukaku could be sold to raise funds, but the Belgian striker is the most important figure at the San Siro club. How would they cope without him?

Transfers

Chelsea prepare summer transfer window clearout, nine could leave - Paper Round

24/03/2024 at 08:27

• Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea are doing football in the wrong order - The Warm-Up
• Thomas Tuchel ushers in a new era at Chelsea with Champions League final win against Manchester City

Davide Bighiani from the Eurosport Italy office who is closer to the situation at Inter, was able to provide some insight on Chelsea’s chances of signing Lukaku.

While Bighiani accepts “anything can happen” in the transfer market, he insists “we are convinced that (Giuseppe) Marotta and (Steven) Zhang have in mind that Inter cannot afford to lose Lukaku, who is the technical and spiritual leader of the Nerazzurri team.”

Of course, news of Chelsea’s interest in Lukaku comes just days after Antonio Conte’s exit was confirmed, but Bighiani doesn’t believe the manager’s departure will necessarily factor in the striker’s decision.

“The Belgian has already had the opportunity to speak with the new coach Simone Inzaghi who reassured him about the competitiveness of the squad and the way the team will play” explained Bighiani. “All clear signs of how Big Rom is a pillar of Inter in the present and in the future.”

At 28, Lukaku is now at the peak of his career. Having failed to fulfil his potential at a number of clubs, Conte managed to bring the best out of the Belgian and so it’s a blow to Lukaku that the 51-year-old has left the San Siro.

Romelu Lukaku (FC Chelsea)

Image credit: Imago

Chelsea didn’t see the best of Lukaku in his first stint at the club, but the Belgian has improved a lot since then, adding a lot to his game. Would he be harnessed at Stamford Bridge in the same way he has been in Serie A over the last two seasons?

Bighiani believes only an offer of around €100m or €120m would be enough to force Inter to consider selling the striker, with the Italian champions instead intent on selling Achraf Hakimi to raise some funds.

“(Roman) Abramovich has got us used to everything, but at the moment we are convinced that Inter's goal is to sacrifice just one big player, likely to be Hakimi,” said Bighiani.

Transfers

Pochettino future uncertain as Chelsea eye Amorim - Paper Round

27/02/2024 at 08:35

Europa League

Lukaku strikes again to grab draw for Roma against Feyenoord

15/02/2024 at 23:38

Euro Qualifying

Lukaku scores four to break record against Azerbaijan, Szoboszlai helps Hungary to Montenegro win

19/11/2023 at 21:50