Chelsea brought Lukaku back to West London in a £97.5 million deal in 2021, but the move didn't work out as expected for either party. Lukaku expressed his dissatisfaction with Thomas Tuchel's system and his desire to return to Inter, leading to a season-long loan last summer due to Inter's financial issues.
During his loan spell, Lukaku contributed 14 goals and seven assists under Simone Inzaghi, although he didn't reach the same level as before. Inter usually preferred the partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko during their run to the Champions League final. With Dzeko's departure for Fenerbahce, Inter is eager to secure Lukaku's permanent return to San Siro, as it appears he has no future at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino.
Inter's initial offer of £23 million for Lukaku was reportedly rejected, but according to The Times, they are now preparing an improved bid for the striker. The exact amount of Inter's new offer is unknown, but Chelsea is said to be holding out for a £40 million fee and currently considers the negotiations as not "serious."
Lukaku is scheduled to return to Chelsea's Cobham training ground for pre-season on Wednesday and is likely to hold crucial discussions with Pochettino regarding his future. However, he is reportedly keen to secure his departure this week regardless of the outcome.
While Lukaku still has three years remaining on his Chelsea contract, Juventus has also contacted the club expressing interest in a potential deal for the out-of-favour attacker. Juventus is rumored to have offered Chelsea the opportunity to sign Dusan Vlahovic in a part-exchange deal for Lukaku. Additionally, clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in Lukaku, and he could reportedly be open to a move to the Middle East after initially ruling it out.
