Transfer Centre

Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku 'to reject AC Milan, Newcastle United interest'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 03 May 2022

Romelu Lukaku 'to reject AC Milan, Newcastle interest'

Out-of-favour Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly poised to snub interest from both AC Milan and Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku reportedly has no interest in a summer move to AC Milan or Newcastle United amid his Stamford Bridge woes.

After firing Inter Milan to the Serie A title with 24 goals and 10 assists in league action last term, Lukaku arrived back at Chelsea with plenty of promise in a £97.5m deal.

The Belgium international enjoyed a strong start with three goals in three Premier League games against Arsenal and Aston Villa but has since seen his fortunes take a turn for the worse in the capital.

Lukaku also made a rod for his own back with the fans by admitting that he was pining for a return to San Siro last year, and he has since struggled to win over Thomas Tuchel.

The 28-year-old's contract with the Blues still has another four years left to run, and the London club cannot conduct transfer business while sanctions on current owner Roman Abramovich remain in place.

However, with optimism over a takeover happening before the market opens, Chelsea could attempt to recoup a fee for the out-of-favour striker in the summer.

Divock Origi in action for Belgium in November 2021 © Reuters

AC Milan have been tipped to bring Lukaku back to Serie A as they plan for the future without Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, even though they have allegedly agreed a deal for Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's recent Saudi-backed takeover and subsequent boost in transfer funds has seen them linked with a move for the Belgian, who supposedly earns close to £300k-per-week at Chelsea.

However, the Evening Standard now reports that Lukaku has no interest in a move to either team this summer and will snub any approaches made to him by Newcastle and Milan.

The report adds that Chelsea are aware that very few clubs will be able to fork out Lukaku's asking price and mammoth salary, with Newcastle seen as one of the few realistic suitors.

Furthermore, it is understood that takeover favourite Todd Boehly views current boss Tuchel as an integral part of his setup at Stamford Bridge, and the German has been loath to select Lukaku over Kai Havertz in recent weeks.

Romelu Lukaku in action for Chelsea in December 2021 © Reuters

After failing to grasp his opportunity in a rare start against Arsenal last month, Lukaku has since been consigned to the bench and was an unused substitute in Sunday's defeat to former club Everton.

The former Manchester United man has turned out 40 times for the European champions this season and has 12 goals and two assists under his belt, but only five of those strikes have come in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Lukaku has only made the first XI on 13 occasions in the current top-flight campaign, and his start against Arsenal was his first in the Premier League since his infamous seven-touch showing against Crystal Palace in February.

Despite their ongoing financial problems, Inter would supposedly be willing to welcome Lukaku back to the club on loan, and the striker would jump at the chance to return to the Nerazzurri.

Lukaku left Inter after scoring 64 goals in 95 appearances for the club in all tournaments, while Barcelona have also recently been credited with an interest in the 28-year-old.