Chelsea striker could turn loan move away from club into permanent deal

Chelsea’s acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the summer is increasingly looking like a shrewd move from the club’s new owner Todd Boehly. 

The Blues allowed both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner to leave the club and were linked with a number of strikers to replace the pair, but it was the Gabon international who was eventually lured to Stamford Bridge.

The ex-Arsenal man has been in good form since, scoring in three consecutive appearances including against AC Milan both home and away.

In contrast, Lukaku has endured a tough spell on his return to Inter Milan.

The Belgian striker enjoyed huge success with the Italian side prior to joining Chelsea in 2021, scoring 24 goals as Inter stormed to the Serie A title in 2020/21.

After a difficult season in London, the striker returned to Milan on loan, but he has so far played only three games, with injuries keeping him sidelined for the past two months.

Despite this, it appears that the Italian side are intent on extending the striker’s stay beyond the end of his loan deal.

Lukaku scored within two minutes of his first game for Inter this season

As reported by Calciomercato via ESPN, Inter are hopeful of agreeing a permanent deal for the Belgium international.

The striker failed to impress when returning to Chelsea last season, scoring just 15 times in 44 matches across all competitions.

He also criticised former manager Thomas Tuchel in an interview with Italian media, although the German has since been sacked.

The Italian outlet claims that Inter remain hopeful of keeping Lukaku, despite Tuchel no longer being in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old has only made three appearances so far this season, although he did score within just two minutes of his first game against Lecce, and also provided an assist the following week against Spezia.

Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Christopher Nkunku in recent weeks, which could suggest that they are planning for life without Lukaku and may let the Belgian leave.

It is suggested that the two clubs will be in contact at the end of the season to discuss a potential deal.