Football News: Romelu Lukaku 'has no plans to return to Chelsea amid Inter Milan interest'

According to reports, Romelu Lukaku has informed Chelsea that he will not be returning to the club for pre-season training.

As a result, Chelsea are thought to be open to offers of approximately £40 million for the Belgian striker, a significant fall from the £97 million they paid to bring him to Stamford Bridge in 2021.

Inter Milan, Lukaku's old club, are thought to be the most interested in signing him after he spent last season on loan at San Siro.

According to talkSPORT, despite the fact that new manager Mauricio Pochettino is in charge, Lukaku has stated that he will not be returning for pre-season training.

Despite having a terrible season at Inter owing to injuries and playing second fiddle to Edin Dzeko in the latter stages of the Champions League, that remains his ideal destination.

Lukaku still managed 14 goals in all competitions for the Nerazzurri, but that was a slight down from his record of 15 with Chelsea the previous season.

Only in his final season at Everton, where he scored 25 league goals, did Lukaku have a greater domestic season than his two seasons at Inter between 2019 and 2021.

With Dzeko now at Fenerbahce, a return for Lukaku should result in increased playing time.

His relationship with Lautaro Martinez was essential as Inter secured Champions League qualifying in the midst of their run to the final, with Lukaku appearing in Serie A matches as manager Simone Inzaghi juggled his choices to keep players fresh through a busy schedule.

Lukaku is said to be uninterested in moves to Saudi Arabia or Juventus, preferring to wait for a move to Inter.

According to BBC Sport, Chelsea are looking for roughly £40 million for the 30-year-old, and Inter are expected to counter-offer if Andre Onana joins Manchester United.

The departure of David de Gea from the club makes a deal more plausible, as the Cameroonian has emerged as United's top target.

Inter are looking to get roughly £50 million for their first-choice custodian, which will be used to fund a move for Lukaku.

The Champions League winners have been connected with Emil Audero, who would be available for a relatively low sum given Sampdoria's recent relegation to Serie B, allowing them to bring in a replacement goalie while still having enough money to sign Lukaku.

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