Romelu Lukaku appears set to return to Chelsea in the summer. The Belgium international joined Inter Milan on loan from the Blues in the summer of 2022. While there were suggestions that a permanent deal could be agreed to keep the player in Italy, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta recently revealed his intentions to allow Lukaku to return to Chelsea. “The loan was for one season so on June 30, regardless of how well he plays, he’ll go back to Chelsea,” Marotta told Sky Italia.

Inter boss claims World Cup has affected players

“This has been an unprecedented season,” continued the club’s CEO. “I’m referring of course to the (winter) World Cup. The problems we’ve experienced have been experienced by other clubs too and the players who played at the World Cup.“

“Lukaku is a case in point. (Marcelo) Brozovic isn’t the Brozovic we know. Lukaku hasn’t found the fitness he needs to play his best football. He’s still not at his best or the player we got to see in years gone by.”

While Marotta’s comments clearly suggest that they player will return to Chelsea, there is still a chance he could continue with Inter. The Italians could very well negotiate a cut-rate transfer fee later in the summer to keep the Beligan with Inter.

The now-29-year-old center forward has endured a tough season back with Inter. He has missed 18 total games throughout the current campaign due to injuries. Along with the setbacks, Lukaku has managed to score just five goals in 18 total appearances so far.

Lukaku didn’t previously work out in first return to Chelsea

Although Chelsea are in desperate need of capable strikers, it remains to be seen if owner Todd Boehly will be open to giving Lukaku another chance. The Blues, under previous ownership, paid around $130 million for the Belgian in 2021. Despite coming off of two massively successful seasons in Italy, Lukaku only managed eight Premier League goals during the 2021/22 season.

The Blues will most likely have Kai Havertz, Armando Broja, David Datro Fofana and Christopher Nkunku as options next season. Chelsea obviously need help at the center forward position, but Boehly could very well opt to target another player.

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