Inter have reportedly slapped a substantial price tag on Romelu Lukaku’s head amid speculations about the Belgian’s potential return to the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester City have laid their eyes on the 27-year-old, with the Nerazzurri setting a €120million asking price on their prized asset.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Lombardian giants are looking to offload ‘one or two players’ after the coronavirus crisis put the squeeze on the club’s finances. The parent company, Suning that own Inter, have already ceased operations in China, liquidating Chinese Super League outfit Jiangsu.
Suning will try to raise funds to balance the books by the end of the financial year, and Lukaku could fall the victim to their desperate need for cash, given the growing interest in his services.
Despite becoming an essential part of Antonio Conte’s starting line-up and enjoying arguably the best form of his career at the Giuseppe Meazza, the former Manchester United flop may leave at the end of the season.
Recent reports suggested the Belgian all-time top-scorer could be on his way back to the Premier League with his former employers Chelsea.
Following Timo Werner’s disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel is eager to recruit a prolific striker to mount a challenge for the Premier League title next year.
The Blues are on the verge of landing Champions League football for 2021/22 and will have the necessary funds to meet Inter’s valuation of Lukaku.
Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is preparing for life after Sergio Aguero. The Argentine star will depart the Etihad after a stellar ten-year stint, which will leave a sizeable gap in the front third.
With the Premier League crown well within their grasp, the Citizens have already started to piece together plans for the upcoming transfer window.
Signing a high-profile striker features Guardiola’s list of priorities close to the top, and Lukaku could be his man.