Romelu Lukaku’s time at Chelsea – for next season at least – appears to be coming to an end. There’s no reason to feel disheartened by this, as this is what he wants. The Belgian has been clear about his intentions to return to Inter Milan someday, it’s just happening sooner than expected.
He has been in contact with his former club in hopes of completing a loan move back this summer and now Chelsea look to be on board. Discussions between the Nerazzurri and Chelsea are underway but there’s an interesting twist.
The Blues have made their interest in Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, Milan Skriniar and Lautaro Martinez clear. They have now added another name to the list which may not directly impact the Lukaku deal but will make Thomas Tuchel’s life easier.
Inter right-wingback Denzel Dumfries has been thrown into the mix, and considering that Reece James is desperately in need of some healthy competition, Lukaku’s deal could have a positive effect on Chelsea’s future.
Initially, Chelsea had placed a £20 million loan fee on Romelu Lukaku. Inter Milan were not so keen on the price tag and according to GOAL, offered an initial £7m. The Blues appear to have settled for £10 million fee but there’s a catch. Surprisingly, the Nerazzurri are willing to sacrifice Dumfries in the process. They are reportedly ready to give Chelsea a discount on the 26-year-old wingback on the £40m that they value him at. The Dutchman had a stellar first season in Italy and after just one year, he could be making a move to England.
Despite taking a potential loss in the Romelu Lukaku deal, Dumfries could help Thomas Tuchel kill two birds with one stone. The Blues are in need of another right wingback. Injuries to Reece James last season were testimony to Chelsea’s lack of options on the right-hand side. Where Cesar Azpilicueta or Reece James was needed in a centre-back position, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson Odoi or Hakim Ziyech would have to adopt the role as right wingback
A discount on £40 million for a right wingback could be a masterstroke for the Blues. According to Gazzetta della Sport, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has asked the club to sign Dumfries this summer. It would be a nice steal for Chelsea if they manage to pull this off.
There are a lot of positives that could come from Romelu Lukaku’s exit this summer. It’s not the best way for the Belgian to leave, but it could help both parties. Whether Chelsea negotiate a deal to include Bastoni, Skriniar or Dumfries, it doesn’t matter. Any of these option would be a great addition to Tuchel’s very thin backline.
