Unforgivable? Inter speak out on Lukaku's possible Milan move
This summer may see Romelu Lukaku’s next high-profile move, adding to his string of notable ones throughout his career.
Currently at Chelsea, the Belgian striker has reportedly made it clear that he would be open to Milan move. T
his comes despite interest from Napoli, where a reunion with his former Inter coach, Antonio Conte, remains a possibility. Thus, everyone is wondering what will happen to the Belgian now that the transfer window is running.
Previously, La Gazzetta dello Sport said that AC Milan, after dropping out of the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, had turned their attention towards Lukaku.
The Belgian striker, who has had a tumultuous time at Chelsea, appears intrigued by the prospect of joining the Rossoneri. However, formal negotiations are yet to commence; also Milan will need to work on convincing the veteran to lower his salary demands.
The Blues, keen to offload Lukaku permanently, have set an asking price of around $48 million. But they aren’t keen on doing another loan deal, which may make it harder for Milan or Napoli to make a move.
Given the complexities of the transfer market, there is speculation that both Italian clubs might wait until late August; hoping Chelsea will become more flexible and open to a loan arrangement.
Better option than United-bound Zirkzee?
Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, are also in the running to sign Lukaku. Conte, who previously worked with Lukaku at Inter Milan, is eager to reunite with the striker. The club sees Lukaku as a key addition to bolster their attacking options, especially if Victor Osimhen, their current star striker, departs. Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, with a hefty release clause of around $130 million. However, the Partenopei have not received any concrete offers for the Nigerian yet.
Former Serie A striker Hernan Crespo, who has played for both Inter and Milan, offered his insights on Lukaku’s potential move to Milan. Crespo believes that Lukaku is more suited to Milan’s immediate needs compared to Joshua Zirkzee.
“To put it bluntly, the Dutchman has a huge margin for improvement, while we already know the veteran’s qualities. Not all centre-forwards are the same, just like I was not similar to Gabriel Batistuta, which is why we could play together for Argentina”, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
He also emphasized Lukaku’s qualities as a traditional center-forward who excels in holding up the ball and capitalizing on counter-attacks. In contrast, Zirkzee, who had a decent season with Bologna, is seen as more of a playmaker who prefers to drop deep and involve his teammates.
With Paulo Fonseca taking over as a new Rossoneri coach, there is still some uncertainty about the team’s approach. However, Crespo suggested that Lukaku’s style could fit well with Fonseca’s tactics, especially if the team continues to utilize wingers like Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao. Lukaku’s ability to get on the end of crosses could complement Milan’s attacking play, providing the immediate goal-scoring boost the team needs.
What do Inter think of Lukaku’s possible Mialn move?
On the other hand, if Lukaku ends up playing for Milan, he would rightfully enrage the Inter faithful. Everyone knows about the 31-year-old’s history with the Nerazzuri, including a successful stint that saw him help the team win the Serie A title.
However, his relationship with the club soured after it emerged he was negotiating with Juventus while still an Inter player. This led to the Italian champions pulling out of a deal to sign him permanently from Chelsea. Thus, the player had no other choice but to subsequently join Roma on loan.
Now, Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, has downplayed the potential impact of Lukaku joining their city rivals, Milan. At a charity function, Ausilio stated, “It wouldn’t affect me. I’m not interested in Milan’s market. We’re interested in Inter’s market and what we wanted to do, we did.”
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