Inter will switch their attention towards Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata if Romelu Lukaku ends up joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. According to TuttoSport (via SempreInter), the reigning Serie A champions have identified the ex-Napoli marksman as the perfect long-term replacement for the Belgium international.
Chelsea are reportedly edging closer to completing a blockbuster deal for Lukaku. After seeing their initial two bids for the 28-year-old turned down by Inter, the 2020/21 Champions League winners are now ready to match the Italian’s €115m demands.
Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland was Chelsea’s top target in early summer. However, the Germans blew the Premier League side out of the water with a staggering €180m asking price, forcing them to turn towards Lukaku.
The Belgian marksman exited the Premier League in 2019 to join Inter. After an underwhelming stint at Manchester United, Lukaku has developed into one of the fiercest strikers in Europe. Under the tutelage of Antonio Conte, the ex-Chelsea youngster has smashed a 30-goal barrier in both seasons at the Giuseppe Meazza.
His sparkling showings have not gone unnoticed, with the Blues now looking for a reunion. Well aware they stand little chance of keeping hold of their standout performer, the Nerazzurri have named Zapata as Lukaku’s ideal heir.
But Atalanta are said to be holding out for a substantial €50m plus add-ons for their robust striker, which could price Inter out of the move. Moreover, La Dea would be unwilling to negotiate Zapata’s departure unless they engineer Tammy Abraham’s arrival from Stamford Bridge first.
Atalanta are the last side to join the race for the 23-year-old, who is seemingly heading towards the west London exit. Several Premier League clubs have already taken an interest in Abraham. But the Serie A outfit have legitimate chances of closing the deal with Chelsea.
Based on that, Simone Inzaghi may have to wait until the final days of the transfer window to address his attacking problems.