Romelu Lukaku 'open to taking pay cut' to seal Inter return

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is open to taking a substantial pay cut to secure a move back to Inter this summer, according to a report.

Lukaku endured an underwhelming comeback season at Stamford Bridge following his blockbuster £97.5m transfer from Inter last summer.

Although he started the campaign well, a now-infamous interview with Italian media - where he admitted he wanted to play for the Nerazzurri again - was preceded by a barren spell, an injury and a bout of Covid-19.

Inter have now confirmed their desire to bring the Belgian back to San Siro, and 90min understands Chelsea will not stand in the player's way should he push for the move. Sources say initial talks have already been held through intermediaries.

Lukaku is keen to make the deal happen, and according to the Daily Mail, the 29-year-old is willing to take a significant pay cut to seal a return to Italy.

It is said that Inter believe the forward would be happy to drop back down to the wages he was on before he departed for Chelsea last year - around £125,000 per week, which would constitute a decrease of about £3m per year on his current earnings at Stamford Bridge.

The Nerazzurri want to partner Lukaku with Paulo Dybala, who will leave Juventus upon the expiry of his contract, although they will likely need to sell the latter's compatriot Lautaro Martinez to facilitate a potentially costly double move.


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Speaking on Inter's interest in both players on Monday, Inter CEO Marotta admitted that plans were in the pipeline.

“There’s no hurry on our part, we can’t rush," he said. "Certainly we've already started laying the groundwork, trying to get the jump on things.

“It takes creativity and courage to make certain moves. It’s clear that the core of the team will remain. We’re Inter and as such we always want to reach ambitious goals, while also remaining sustainable.”


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Source : 90min