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Chelsea 'resigned to losing Romelu Lukaku for cut-price fee'

Chelsea 'resigned to losing Lukaku for cut-price fee'
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly resigned to having to part ways with Romelu Lukaku for a significant cut-price fee.

Chelsea are reportedly resigned to having to sell Romelu Lukaku for a cut-price fee in one of the future transfer windows.

In August 2021, the Blues completed the club-record addition of Lukaku from Inter Milan fee in a £97.5m deal, the belief being that they had found a long-term solution down the middle of their attack.

However, despite scoring 15 goals from 44 appearances in all competitions, the Belgium international never settled under Thomas Tuchel and was allowed to return to Inter on a loan deal.

At the time of his return, it was anticipated that a second temporary spell or permanent switch would follow, the understanding being that all parties were delighted with their reunion.

Instead, Lukaku has endured a frustrating period back at San Siro, contributing just five goals from 10 starts and nine substitute outings in all competitions.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal on February 18, 2023© Reuters

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has already acknowledged that the 29-year-old is now in line to return to Stamford Bridge this summer, rather than spend another year at his current club.

Marotta told Sky Italia: "Lukaku hasn't found the fitness he needs to play his best football. He's still not at his best or the player we got to see in years gone by."

With that transfer on the table, Chelsea theoretically have the freedom to find a new destination for Lukaku, the assumption being that he has no future in West London.

Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, there is an acknowledgment behind the scenes at Chelsea that they will have to accept a substantial financial loss.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on March 4, 2023© Reuters

The report claims that Chelsea will realistically have to accept a fee less than £30m if they want to permanently get Lukaku off their books.

Depending on his end to the season, that may realistically be achievable, but clubs are aware of Chelsea's predicament and desire to raise funds in the summer to boost their position with FFP.

While Aston Villa have recently been linked with a move for Lukaku, it is unclear whether any of European football's biggest clubs will entertain a bid.

Lukaku still has over three years remaining on his contract, leaving open the possibility of another season-long loan if an agreement can be found.

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Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal on February 18, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
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2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


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