Barcelona have reportedly identified mercurial Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku as a perfect long-term replacement for Luis Suarez. According to SempreInter, the Blaugrana entertain the prospect of landing the Belgium international, with the Nerazzurri reluctant to green-light the move.
Since joining Inter in 2019, Lukaku has turned from a Manchester United scapegoat into one of the deadliest strikers in Europe’s top-five leagues.
The 27-year-old plays like a man possessed under the stewardship of Antonio Conte. He has led his side to a six-point lead at the Serie A summit this term.
Lukaku’s tally of 19 league goals scored this season is only four goals shy of Juventus’ pacesetter Cristiano Ronaldo. But the impact the ex-Chelsea flop has had on Conte’s tactical set-up is off the scale in the Italian top-flight.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Italian manager is unwilling to negotiate the sale of his headline performer.
On the other hand, Barcelona are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements following another disappointing Champions League campaign.
Although Ronald Koeman’s men remain the title run-in in La Liga, Luis Suarez’s departure for Atletico Madrid has piled more scoring burden on Lionel Messi.
The Argentine never ceases to amaze under pressure, but he is entering his twilight years and needs a partner in the front third to help him restore the glory days at Camp Nou.
Lukaku certainly fits the bill, especially considering his form in Serie A and Europe over the past two years. The Catalans were also interested in acquiring another Inter star in the shape of Lautaro Martinez.
However, the 23-year-old’s staggering €110million release clause priced Barca out of the move as they now look to capture his partner in crime.
Meanwhile, Koeman is hell-bent on recruiting Lyon’s Memphis Depay, who will be out of contract at the end of the season. As per reports, the Dutchman’s potential arrival won’t affect Barcelona’s interest in Lukaku.
Despite staring at financial turmoil, Inter are desperate to keep hold of their prized assets, and the Belgian marksman is one of the players they would like to retain at all costs.