Romelu Lukaku’s stay at Inter Milan could be extended, as Chelsea are reportedly planning on allowing his loan period to run for an extra year.
Lukaku became one of the most divisive characters in European football during last season. Indeed, he did not help matters by effectively slating Chelsea and stating his move from Inter was “not the right time”.
The Belgian had a great time during his first spell at the Italian side. He notched 64 goals in two seasons, and was within the top two goal scorers in Serie A both seasons.
Lukaku’s impressive returns led to a move back to England, where he had spent most of his career before making the switch to mainland Europe.
While he had struggled at the back end of his time as a Manchester United player, at Everton, he was one of the league’s most potent attackers.
Initially, the 29-year-old looked to have struck gold at Chelsea. Indeed, he found the net three times in his first three Premier League game upon his return.
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However, his form dwindled massively, and he managed just eight league goals the entire season, from 26 games.
There was a lot of speculation around a move back to Inter. Of course, he had already made it fairly clear that he wanted to return to the San Siro.
A loan move seemed to be the best course of action for Chelsea. The Blues would have been left with egg on their face had they sold a player they paid around £100million for just last year. Indeed, they sanctioned a season-long loan move for Lukaku.
Big Lukaku loan decision to be made
Things do not seem to have been plain sailing upon Lukaku’s return to Inter, though. There has already been speculation that the striker’s loan will be cut short.
However, it may in fact be that the opposite is true.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Lukaku’s loan could be extended by a year. That report states that Chelsea are set to agree to allowing Lukaku to remain at the San Siro.
It also mentions that the announcement of this decision will not come until the new year.
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Lukaku decision shows Chelsea strength
The decision to allow Lukaku to remain away from the club for an extra season shows how strong Chelsea are at the moment. Indeed, the Blues are in a good position since Graham Potter took charge.
They currently sit fourth in the Premier League, and have not lost a game under the former Brighton manager.
Goals have not been too hard to come by for the Stamford Bridge outfit this season, either. They have scored 15 goals in the Premier League, and a further six in four Champions League games.
Goals are coming from each area of the pitch, too. Forwards Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have netted seven goals between them. Reece James and Jorginho have both scored two each, too.
As such, Chelsea seem to be thriving without Lukaku.
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