Chelsea ‘not given up’ on Romelu Lukaku return despite all signs pointing to NO — report

Inter Milan have been adamant that Romelu Lukaku would be the last player they would let go regardless of any financial difficulties. In turn, Romelu Lukaku, never one to shy away from speaking his mind in public, has been pretty clear himself that he’s not looking to leave the Italian champions, and that he’s looking forward to working with new head Simone Inzaghi, to keep repaying the team’s faith in him.

And yet, Chelsea “have not given up” on tempting Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge, at least according to The Athletic’s latest understandings. That’s after two rejected bids from us, at least the second of which was no doubt a club record and probably even approaching, if not even exceeding, the magic €100m mark — this report doesn’t really specify an amount, but the numbers out of the Italian rumor mill last week were all in the nine digits.

It’s unclear how we expect to change either Inter’s resolve or Lukaku’s mind. Inter have other pieces they can sell to generate funds if needed (such as Lautaro Martinez, who’s recently been linked with Arsenal) and Lukaku seems to be in a very good place professionally and is not expected to push for a move anytime soon. We can certainly lob a third bid in their direction, but it seems foolish to expect a different answer.

And if we keep upping the bid (and/or wages on offer), then we might as well do so with Erling Haaland instead, who would probably be a wiser investment both in terms of the financials and the sporting aspects (much younger, more resale value if needed, longer return on investment, perhaps even a better fit, etc.).

Not that either one’s happening, but transfer columns still need to be written, so here we are.