Chelsea could reportedly ask for one of three Inter Milan players to be included in a deal to send Romelu Lukaku back to San Siro.
The Belgium international failed to live up to his £97.5m price tag after returning to Stamford Bridge last summer, registering just eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances.
Lukaku also made a rod for his own back with the fans by admitting that he was pining for a return to Inter Milan mere months after returning to the English capital.
A report from The Guardian states that Lukaku will be allowed to return to San Siro for the right price, but the Italian giants are struggling to afford even a loan move.
Lukaku remains under contract at Chelsea until 2026, and the former European champions could supposedly demand at least £20m to let the 29-year-old leave on loan.
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The Nerazzurri will also not be able to contribute to the majority of Lukaku's £200k-a-week wages, forcing the two clubs to get creative in the hopes of thrashing out an agreement.
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have identified three players whom they would be keen to take in a swap deal for Lukaku, including striker Lautaro Martinez.
The 24-year-old found the back of the net on 21 occasions in Serie A last season, although he recently extended his stay with the Nerazzurri until the summer of 2026.
Furthermore, Martinez's agent Alejandro Camano does not anticipate the striker leaving anytime soon, telling FCInterNews: "Of course, his profession as a footballer is what matters most, but to date I have no reason to think there's even a chance that he'll leave Inter.
"The truth is that a player who scores as many goals as he does in a tough league like the Italian top flight doesn't go unnoticed, but there are still four years left on his contract. There are no reasons to leave."
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Chelsea are also said to have taken a liking to Alessandro Bastoni having already lost Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen is also expected to head for the exit door.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, whose agent recently slammed the door shut on an exit for his client, telling reporters: "Bastoni will certainly remain at Inter. He has a contract with Inter, he is happy to play at Inter and there's no problem."
The future of Milan Skriniar is more uncertain, though, as the Slovakia international now has just 12 months left to run on his contract with Inter.
Skriniar scored four goals in 48 appearances for Simone Inzaghi's side last term and is said to be another name on Chelsea's defensive shortlist amid hopes of a cut-price deal.
Chelsea may have to battle Manchester United and Tottenham for the 27-year-old's services, though, while Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to have joined the bidding war.
Ben Knapton
