Potter admits Chelsea considering Lukaku return after Belgian’s woes continued with open goal miss for Inter Milan

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has teased a potential Stamford Bridge return for Romelu Lukaku next season.

The Belgian joined Chelsea for a then club-record fee of £97.5 million in 2021, joining on a permanent transfer from Inter Milan.

However, after a poor season on and off the pitch, where the striker was heavily criticised for carrying out an unauthorised interview with Sky Italia, he was allowed to return to Inter Milan on loan for the 2022/23 season.

But similar issues of fitness and inconsistent performances have meant Lukaku has struggled once again this season, scoring just five goals in 19 appearances this term.

And his woes in front of goal continued in the Nerazzuri’s 1-0 home loss to Fiorentina on Saturday, missing a seemingly open goal.

Despite this, current Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has expressed his admiration for the centre forward, hinting at the prospect of Lukaku being in his plans for next season.

“Although he is our player, he is on loan and an Inter Milan player. I think it is important he finishes that off. Then we have a decision to make in the summer,” Potter went on to say.

“He is someone I admire a lot, I like a lot but again it is something to think about over the summer.”

Goals have been hard to come by for the Blues this season having managed a meagre 29 goals in 28 league games this term.

And with Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta recently revealing that the Belgian will not be remaining at the San Siro next season, a return to English football for Lukaku could be imminent.