Inter Milan have decided to pull out of the race to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on a permanent deal, leaving Juventus in pole position to add the Belgian striker.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter have left the Lukaku sweepstakes and intend to inform the London club of their decision in the coming hours.
The Belgian has reportedly refused calls from Inter boss Simone Inzaghi and former teammates, and even began negotiating with Juventus prior to Inter’s Champions League final defeat to Manchester City.
Inter and Juventus have both submitted €40m bids with add-ons included, but the Nerazzurri couldn’t come to an agreement on personal terms with the striker for another spell at the club.
Di Marzio reports that on Friday night Lukaku answered a call from Inter sporting director, Piero Ausilio, which lasted 30 seconds and informed the player he was no longer in the manager’s plans.
⚫️🔵 @inter decided to pull out of Romelu #Lukaku race and are set to inform @ChelseaFC about it. They are out, as the player decided to negotiate with @juventusfc. @SkySport
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 15, 2023
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Should Juventus decide to sell Dusan Vlahovic, Lukaku is set to join the Old Lady and lead the line for Massimiliano Allegri’s side who finished seventh in Serie A last season.
In 37 appearances for Inter in 2022/23, the 30-year-old scored 14 goals and added seven assists, but struggled to find a consistent starting place in the XI with competition from Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko.
If a deal to Juventus falls through, Fabrizio Romano has suggested that a move to the Saudi Pro League is on the table. His parent club Chelsea jet off to the USA for their pre-season tour on Monday, but he will not travel with the squad.
Inter have decided to leave negotiations for Romelu Lukaku. Deal OFF. 🚨🔵⛔️
Chelsea to be informed soon.
Inter are furious after being informed of talks between Lukaku and Juventus.
Juve and Saudi remain as options for Lukaku now.
Juve can only proceed if they sell Vlahović. pic.twitter.com/FJ5Bg2G77O
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2023
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