Chelsea consider Lukaku swap deal to finally end sorry £97m transfer failure
Chelsea have fresh hope of sealing a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Dusan Vlahovic with talks re-opening between the two sides.
The Blues have been attempting to get Lukaku off of their books for the majority of the summer. There were suggestions that he could again return to Inter Milan following his loan spell last term but the two clubs have failed to agree a deal.
The Belgian striker also rejected a big-money move to Saudi side Al-Hilal earlier this summer. That left Chelsea with limited options, although Juventus remained as a potential option as a swap deal involving Dusan Vlahovic was touted.
Talk over an exchange appeared to go cold over recent weeks but it appears fresh discussions have taken place. According to Sky Sport Italia, the Blues are now more open to the idea of letting Lukaku join Juventus, with Vlahovic moving to Stamford Bridge.
Juve sporting director Cristiano Giuntol admitted earlier this summer the Serbian striker may have to be moved on due to the club’s financial situation. He said: “We have taken information from many clubs, but we are relying on Chiesa, Vlahovic, Chiesa and Milik.
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“However, this doesn’t mean Vlahovic and Chiesa will surely stay in Turin beyond the summer. It’s not a secret that we must balance the books. Of course, if there are irrefutable offers, we must think about it. Technically, we strongly rely on him [Vlahovic].”
Vlahovic initially signed for the Italian giants for £66m from Fiorentina in January last year - rejecting a move to Arsenal in the process. The 23-year-old has scored 23 goals in 63 appearances in all competitions since then and has three years left to run on his contract in Turin.
Romelu Lukaku spent last season on loan with former club Inter Milan (Getty Images)Is Romelu Lukaku Chelsea's biggest-ever flop? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Meanwhile, Lukaku has endured a tricky time of things since his record-breaking move to Chelsea in 2021. The Blues paid a then club record £97m to sign him but he scored just 15 goals across his debut campaign before returning to Inter on loan.
He netted on 14 occasions last term as the Nerrazurri reached the Champions League final. The 30-year-old’s deal with Chelsea is set to run until the summer of 2026.
Chelsea could sign Dusan Vlahovic as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku (Getty Images)Lukaku was also recently probed by an Inter fan regarding a potential switch to Turin and did not appear optimistic of moving. The supporter said: “If you sign for Juve, NEVER say come on Juve.” The striker laughed before he responded: “No no never”, before adding: “I don't think the deal will go through.”
Mauricio Pochettino recently confirmed that the decision has been made for Lukaku not to return to Chelsea. He revealed: "It is obvious the decision had been made on the side of the player also. We act in consequence of the decision. The club and player are in the position they wanted.”
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