Inter Milan have reportedly pulled the plug on a possible deal for Romelu Lukaku, with the Italian giants no longer interested in re-signing the Belgium international on a permanent basis.
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Inter from Chelsea, representing the Serie A outfit on 37 occasions in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists in the process.
Inter have been in talks with Chelsea over a permanent deal for the striker this summer, and it is understood that their latest offer of £26m was rejected by Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Lukaku previously represented Inter between 2019 and 2021, scoring 64 goals in 95 appearances during a successful spell, and it did appear that he would be returning to the club on a long-term basis, providing that Chelsea received their £40m asking price.
However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inter have decided to 'leave the negotiations', with a potential deal for the centre-forward now off.
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Romano claims that last season's Champions League finalists have been left 'furious' after learning that Lukaku had been in talks over a move to Juventus.
The Old Lady are said to be pushing to bring him to Turin this summer, although a deal would only be possible if Dusan Vlahovic leaves, with Paris Saint-Germain being heavily linked with the 23-year-old.
Lukaku is also believed to have options in the Saudi Pro League, with a number of clubs thought to be willing to pay him a huge salary to move to Saudi Arabia.
The forward previously represented Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, but he failed to find the back of the net in 15 appearances for the London giants before moving to Everton on a permanent basis.
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Lukaku's form at Goodison Park saw Manchester United sign him in the summer of 2017, and he managed 42 goals in 96 appearances during his two seasons at Old Trafford.
Chelsea re-signed Lukaku from Inter in the summer of 2021, but he struck just 15 times in 44 appearances during the 2021-22 campaign, which led to him returning to San Siro on loan.
The Blues have already boosted their attack this summer with the arrivals of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku from Villarreal and RB Leipzig respectably.
However, there is expected to be at least one more forward addition before the end of the window, as Pochettino looks to put together a squad capable of challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League table next season.
Matt Law
