Chelsea’s Lukaku conundrum rumbles on as striker rejects two offers

Chelsea’s dilemma over what to do with £100 million striker Romelu Lukaku looks set to rumble on as the Belgian has refused interest from two potential buyers. 

The striker returned to Stamford Bridge last summer having won the Serie A title and golden boot award with Inter Milan but, after scoring on his debut against Arsenal, the 28-year-old has scored just four more goals in his last 22 league games for the club.

Lukaku has fallen behind the likes of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order up front, having initially been dropped after admitting he was unhappy at the club in an interview last year.

The Belgian international also admitted that he would be open to a return to former club Inter, and has been linked with the club in recent months.

One club he won’t be joining, though, is Inter’s city rivals AC Milan, who have been credited with an interest in the player in recent weeks.

According to The Evening Standard, though, the player has no interest in joining the Italian side.

Lukaku’s last Premier League goal was against Brighton in December

Lukaku is reluctant to further upset Inter supporters and is aware that joining their biggest rivals would do exactly that.

The report also claims that Lukaku will refuse a move to Newcastle United, who had identified the former Manchester United forward as a potential marquee signing as they prepare for a huge summer spending spree.

Tuchel is reportedly growing frustrated with the striker, who he has used primarily as a substitute in recent months.

Lukaku criticised Tuchel’s system in the infamous interview with Italian TV and, although the German insisted the issue had been resolved shortly after, it is clear that he has no plans to make Lukaku his first choice striker.

Despite starting just 25 games across all competitions so far this season, Lukaku is still the club’s second highest scorer this term, proof that he hasn’t yet lost his goal scoring ability.

Part of Chelsea’s issue with Lukaku is that the are almost certain to make a substantial loss on the player if they do sell him this summer.

While Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move and would likely make a generous offer, many of Europe’s elite clubs will be put off by the striker’s price tag, especially considering the price that other forwards are likely to be available for.

The player’s wages, which are believed to be in the region of £300,000-per-week, are also likely to be a deterrent for most potential suitors.