Inter Milan will re-open negotiations with Chelsea over the signing of out-of-favour striker Romelu Lukaku, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Nerazzurri have prioritised signing the Belgium international striker on a permanent deal after an explosive second half of last season, but talks with Chelsea have reached an impasse.
Lukaku struggled with niggling muscle injuries in the opening half of the campaign, but poor form upon his return had Inter re-strategising their summer plans.
The Italians were due to send Lukaku back to Chelsea after his loan spell. But the 30-year-old striker burst into life in the latter part of the campaign, notching seven goals and four assists in the final seven games.
His impressive last-ditch form convinced Inter he was worth keeping permanently, and the Nerazzurri intend to return to Chelsea with an improved proposal to close the deal.
However, Inter are currently focused on completing a move for Sassuolo’s highly sought-after midfielder Davide Frattesi.
The Italian is one of the most wanted players in Serie A amid interest from Juventus, AC Milan and AS Roma.
Inter have reportedly stolen a march on other potential suitors after reaching an agreement with the Neroverdi that will see Frattesi move to the San Siro on a season-long loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent in 2024.
When that is done, Inter will return to the table to get Lukaku – possibly in a similar fashion after seeing an initial loan bid rejected by Chelsea, who want to sell the wantaway striker outrightly.
Romano claims the Serie A giants will propose an initial loan deal with a mandatory buy option, but the cash-strapped Italians have no plans to table an extraordinary bid for Lukaku.
The former Manchester United man had an offer from the Saudi Pro League, but he rejected the chance for a big payday in favour of remaining at the Guiseppe Meazza.
Inter plan to use his desire to remain at the club as a bargaining chip in their negotiations with Chelsea.
It will be interesting to see how talks develop with the pinball between both clubs set to continue in the coming weeks.
