Romelu Lukaku has confirmed his return to Inter Milan on loan for the season after 12 months away, announcing that ‘we’re back baby’, alongside Inter president Steven Zhang.
The striker became both the Italian side’s record sale and Chelsea’s record signing when he made the switch last summer after a prolific season in Serie A. However, he had a torrid subsequent time at Stamford Bridge, and by November had already admitted that he was longing for a return to Italy.
Come the end of the season, Lukaku had registered just 8 Premier League goals, and set a new record for the fewest touches in a game when Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in February.
Now, however, he has returned for a season-long loan with the Italian side, and announced it on a rooftop in Milan before promising to score plenty of goals at San Siro.
Official, confirmed. Romelu Lukaku joins Inter on a one-year loan deal until June 2023, no buy option or obligation clause. Inter will cover full salary. 🚨🔵 #Inter
Here Lukaku with Inter president Steven Zhang 🎥⤵️ @Inter pic.twitter.com/enF2yfOC89
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2022
It is believed that Inter will pay a fee of 8m euros for the year, with performance-related add-ons also included.
Raphinha on the way?
Chelsea are facing late pressure to finalise a deal for Raphinha, with their own hijacking of Arsenal’s move for the Leeds United winger now in danger of being hijacked itself by Barcelona, with Raphinha preferring a move to the Camp Nou.
Chelsea are waiting for Raphinha’s answer. Been told Deco has direct talk with Chelsea scheduled tomorrow 🚨 #Raphinha
Talks still on, after agreement with Leeds [£60m].
Barcelona and Arsenal will try until the end.
Reminder: Barça agreed personal terms with Deco 4 months ago. pic.twitter.com/yCWYRIdkRE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2022
Whether or not they can get the deal over the line remains to be seen, but it seems likely that more will be known by the end of the week.
