Chelsea want £40million for Romelu Lukaku amid Juventus interest

WANTED MAN: Chelsea are holding out for £40m for Romelu Lukaku. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Chelsea are holding out for £40m for Romelu Lukaku, who has emerged as a target for Juventus and Al-Hilal, and have rejected a bid from Internazionale for the striker.

Inter took Lukaku on loan last season and are exploring ways to sign the Belgium international on a permanent basis. However, the Italians are struggling financially and their initial proposal has fallen well below Chelsea’s valuation.

Chelsea are open to selling Lukaku, who has been a major disappointment since joining from Inter for £97.5m two years ago. The former Manchester United forward has not settled at Stamford Bridge and is unlikely to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans next season, even though the Argentinian’s squad is short of reliable goalscorers.

Injuries prevented Lukaku from shining during his loan spell at Inter and it could be difficult for Chelsea to bring in a sizeable sum for the 30-year-old. Lukaku would like to return to Italy and Juve are monitoring the situation. It is understood that the forward is also considering a move to Saudi Arabia, having initially been cold on the prospect of heading to the Middle East.

Chelsea are in the middle of a major clearout and have agreed to sell the USA winger, Christian Pulisic, to Milan in a package worth €22m. Milan have agreed to include a sell-on percentage for Pulisic, who joined Chelsea for £58m four years ago.

Along with shifting players, Chelsea are also looking for a new shirt sponsor. Their new kit will be unveiled on Monday and will have a blank space on the front of the shirt. Chelsea pulled out of a deal with Stake, a gambling company, following a backlash from supporters.

Guardian