Romelu Lukaku spent last season on loan with Inter Milan and was expected to sign on permanent terms.
However, Inter have pulled out of the deal after it was discovered the Belgian striker was in talks with Juventus.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has indicated Lukaku has no future with the English Premier League side, leaving the 30-year-old in a state of limbo.
There are still several clubs across Europe that have shown interest in Lukaku’s signature this summer, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up come the end of the transfer window.
We take a closer look at Lukaku’s options.
Snubbed Inter return
Lukaku spent last term on loan with Inter Milan where he found the back of the net 14 times and chipped in with a further seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Inter have reportedly tabled two offers to Chelsea for the Belgian to sign permanently, but both have been swiftly rejected due to player not wanting to return. After finding out that Juventus are also in for the striker, Inter also decided not to pursue the transfer.
It is likely that the decision to bench the 30-year-old in the Champions League Final was the last straw, and he will look for options elsewhere ahead of the new season.
Juventus move
The latest reports are suggesting that Juventus are now favourites to sign to sign Lukaku, which has sparked conflict with the Inter ultras as they have labelled the situation as a ‘betrayal’.
Juventus have matched Inter’s bid for the Belgian powerhouse, and this could be enough for him to sign as he is not keen on a return to the side where he spent last season on loan.
Current Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is on the brink of completing a move to PSG this summer, so Lukaku could be the perfect replacement as the new main man up top at the Allianz Stadium.
Remain at Chelsea?
Lukaku’s time at Chelsea has certainly not worked out since his return in 2021, but his current contract does not expire until 2026.
Chelsea have opted to bring in Christopher Nkunku for a fee in the region of £50m, so this could be an indication that Lukaku is not in the clubs plans next term.
Pochettino has been keen in the past of separating any players that might cause conflict from the rest of the squad, so he might be keen to offload Lukaku sooner rather than later so the club can get some funds to help their FFP issues.
But with Chelsea’s desire for a top qualify centre-forward and the fact other clubs might be priced out of signing him, there’s still a chance of a shock return for Lukaku at the Blues.
View the latest Lukaku transfer odds at Bet9ja!
