Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku has been identified by Tottenham as a potential summer signing, should Antonio Conte stay.
That’s according to reports in Italy, but Spurs are apparently not the only club interested in the Belgium international, who endured a nightmare during his second spell at Inter Milan.
AFP
Lukaku enjoyed a successful stint under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan
The Serie A giants snapped up Lukaku on loan last summer, having only sold the striker to Chelsea the previous year for £97million, following a disastrous campaign where he fell into disarray. disgrace at Stamford Bridge.
His return to San Siro has been so bad that Inter are set to send the striker back to Chelsea at the end of the season and not accept the option of loaning him out for a second campaign.
A full return to west London does not seem likely, however, with the Blues keen to offload the ex-Manchester United star.
Lukaku has struggled with injuries and has scored just once in Serie A this season – a surprising drop from his final year in 2021 at the San Siro where his 24 goals took them to a Scudetto title for the first time. times in 11 years.
And according to CalcioMercato, a reunion with his then Inter boss Conte is on the cards – if the Italian stays at Tottenham.
Spurs are one of the 29-year-old’s next possible destinations as interest mounts in Harry Kane, where United are expected to test Daniel Levy’s resolve this summer with an official offer.
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Lukaku has struggled this season
Lukaku could be the ideal replacement, but only if Conte remains with his contract expiring at the end of the season and no renewal plans in sight.
Conte and Lukaku forged a brilliant relationship at Inter, where they ended a streak of more than a decade without winning the league title.
The striker admitted the former Chelsea boss had ‘changed’ him as a person and regretted missed opportunities to work together earlier in his career.
In 2021, Lukaku wrote on Instagram: “[In] In 2014, we first spoke to each other and have had a bond ever since.
“We had many times to work together, but only God knows why it never happened sooner.
AFP
Conte and Lukaku won the league at Inter together
“You came at the right time and fundamentally changed me as a player and made me even stronger mentally and more importantly we won together!
“Thank you for everything you’ve done. I owe you a lot.. @antonioconte.
But the north London side are not the only Premier League side interested in the Belgian, with CalcioMercato also reporting that Newcastle are watching the proceedings closely.
The Magpies are hoping to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season, while their Saudi owners could financially compete with anyone.
There is also plenty of interest in Lukaku across the continent, including from Bayern Munich who are yet to replace Robert Lewandowski from last year.
Atletico Madrid are another club keen on the former Everton star, as well as Juventus, which could open the door to a swap deal for Dusan Vlahovic.
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