Chelsea are not expecting Romelu Lukaku to return for pre-season as they work on an exit agreement with Inter Milan.

Lukaku, 30, has made no secret of his desire to return to Serie A giants Inter Milan on a permanent basis and Chelsea are working hard to make that happen.

Lukaku not in Chelsea's plans

Despite Mauricio Pochettino insisting he was anticipating the Belgium striker's return, the club has other plans, according to The Athletic.

Chelsea begin pre-season tour by flying out to the United States on July 17 and will hope a deal is struck with Inter before they depart.

The Blues rejected Inter's latest bid for the wantaway striker, with the Stamford Bridge club holding out for a fee of around €45m.

More on Lukaku
Lukaku spent last season back on loan at Inter following a disappointing 2021-22 campaign at Chelsea, where he scored 15 goals in 44 matches in all competitions.

He scored 14 games for the Serie A side last season as they reached the Champions League final, losing narrowly to Manchester City.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/dont-come-back-chelsea-block-lukaku-return-as-inter-talks-continue-2023071217260273649