Chelsea ‘plan Inter swap deal talks’ as fresh Lukaku issue crops up

04/26/2023

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Chelsea are planning to cover multiple topics in a sit-down meeting with Inter Milan next week as they look to resolve the future of Romelu Lukaku. A swap deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana is reportedly on the agenda, with two Blues stars on the chopping block ahead of the summer transfer window.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has seen his stock soar between the sticks this campaign after earning his place back under former Chelsea boss Graham Potter. Edouard Mendy had been the first-choice since signing from Rennes in 2020 but slipping standards left the door ajar for the Spaniard.

Even so, many feel as though a top-class stopper would take the Blues to another level. Co-owner Todd Boehly has proven trigger-happy in the transfer window and could reach for his chequebook again this summer.

According to the Evening Standard, Inter goalkeeper Onana is on the hit list and the club are prepared to offer Kepa or Mendy as part of a swap deal.

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Onana came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before spending seven years on the books at Ajax. The 27-year-old Cameroon international only arrived in Italy last summer but he has impressed this season, displacing veteran goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

It remains to be seen whether the Nerazzurri would be interested in a swap proposal or hold out to maximise the transfer fee instead. Brentford star David Raya and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel are also thought to be on Chelsea’s list of goalkeeper targets.

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While in Italy, the Blues will reportedly attempt to find a solution to their Lukaku dilemma. The Belgian failed to convince at Stamford Bridge after completing a £97.5million move in 2021 and there is not much appetite among Chelsea fans to welcome him back.

Lukaku has spent this season on loan with Inter, who have an option to extend the agreement to next campaign if they cover half of his wages and a £7m loan fee. While the striker supposedly wants to stay at the San Siro, Inter are less convinced with injury issues limiting the Chelsea man’s game time this term.

Furthermore, the Italian giants are under pressure to balance the books and offloading Lukaku could lift a weight off their shoulders. Chelsea could therefore be saddled with the 29-year-old, who is unlikely to fetch anywhere near the transfer fee they paid for him if he is placed on the market.

The Blues have an exciting young striker in Armando Broja recovering from injury and a pre-agreed signing in Christopher Nkunku, who is set to arrive from RB Leipzig in the summer. However, reports indicate that incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to offer Lukaku another chance in west London if a resolution with Inter cannot be found.

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