Chelsea ‘REJECT loan transfer offer from Juventus’ for Romelu Lukaku as Blues reveal fee wanted for striker
CHELSEA have reportedly rejected a loan offer from Juventus for Romelu Lukaku.
And instead the Blues have named the price tag on their unwanted striker to try and secure his permanent transfer exit.
Lukaku, 30, is not going to be reintegrated at Chelsea this season after the £97million forward spent last term on loan back at Inter.
He turned down a move to Saudi Arabia and has his heart set on returning to Italy.
But Tuttosport report Juventus tabled an offer to sign Lukaku on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.
It is said the deal included an option for the Old Lady to buy the former Manchester United man at the end of the season.
However, Chelsea turned down the proposal – just as they did when Inter tried to take Lukaku on another temporary switch.
That is because the West London club are determined to sell their £325,000-a-week top earner for £34m – and are unwilling to budge on that figure.
But the report adds Juve and Lukaku could be prepared to dig their heels in and wait for Chelsea to relent to force through the move later on in the window.
Inter pulled out of a possible deal after having two bids rejected because San Siro chiefs were said to be “fuming” that Lukaku’s agents were also discussing a move with rivals Juventus.
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Lukaku scored 14 goals in 37 appearances during his loan spell with Inter last term and helped them to reach the Champions League final.
But new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was not convinced to bring him back into the fold at Stamford Bridge.
The pair had a conversation about the Belgian’s future at the beginning of pre-season.
But it seems the pair agreed Lukaku will be playing his football away from West London this season – and as a result the striker was left at home as Chelsea flew to the USA for pre-season.
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Poch explained: “It is the club and of course it is an interesting situation.
“When this type of decision is [made, it is] because they all agree. The player and club are working hard to try and find best solution.
“It is obvious the decision had been made on the side of the player also. We act in consequence of the decision. The club and player are in the position they wanted.”