FC Internazionale Training Session
Romelu Lukaku is open to a move to Chelsea (Photo by Emilio Andreoli – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)

Inter Milan will reluctantly accept a bid of around £100million from Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku after officials at the club privately admitted they need to sanction one more high profile departure this summer to balance the books.

Chelsea have had two bids rejected by Inter for the Belgian striker, who is open to returning to Stamford Bridge six years after his departure.

Inter’s resistance in discussions so far has left Chelsea reassessing their options but the Telegraph claim the Italians are merely playing hardball and that they may be forced into selling Lukaku because of their dire financial situation.

The Serie A champions already sanctioned the £68m departure of Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the window and Antonio Conte departed at the end of last season after a dispute about the club’s plans to sell players.

FC Internazionale v FC Crotone - Pre-Season Friendly
Lukaku is valued at £100m (Photo by Mattia Ozbot – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)

Chelsea’s confidence is now growing that they can prise Lukaku away from the San Siro and the club hope to talk Inter down from their valuation.

Inter’s decision could rest on what offers they receive for Lukaku’s strike partner, Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine was once coveted by Barcelona but now Arsenal lead the race for his signature and Inter would rather cash in on Martinez than allow Lukaku to leave.

Chelsea had targeted Erling Haaland at the start of the window but they’ve moved on recently after Dortmund demanded around £150m for the Norwegian.

A clause in Haaland’s contract means he’s available for around £62m next summer and Chelsea will fight it out with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona in 12 months’ time for his signature.

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