Transfers
“You never know” – Inter Milan duo break silence on future following Champions League final defeat amid expected Chelsea talks
Updates on the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Andre Onana have been provided following Inter Milan’s Champions League final defeat.
Inter Milan suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium on Saturday night, with Rodri netting the winning goal in the 68th minute as he calmly slotted past several Inter defenders into the back of the net.
A season which ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Nerazzurri in Turkey, and now attention turns to the summer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Chelsea would have been keeping a close eye on proceedings due to being interested in Onana as they look for a new goalkeeper this summer, while forward Lukaku, who is on loan from Stamford Bridge, came off the bench in the second half.
Talks are likely to take place in the coming weeks between the Blues and Inter over several players, and Onana, who is under contract until 2027, was asked about his future post-match.
The 27-year-old remains happy in Milan but insists his future is down to the club, admitting: “I’m so, so happy at Inter. At this professional level you never know what happens.
“I’m available for Inter, they decide and I will accept what they want. I’m happy at Inter.”
Lukaku was unable to make the key difference for Inter against Man City despite having a chance two minutes from time from just yards out, but he was only able to direct his header at Ederson, who ensured City won their first ever Champions League.
What happens with Lukaku now remains unclear. He is, at it stands, set to return to Chelsea for pre-season next month. Where he will be playing his football next season is unknown. Inter have been linked with keeping Lukaku for another season.
Club president Steven Zhang responded to questions over Lukaku, replying: “The player showed great attachment to Inter. He’s an amazing guy. The guy has a contract with Chelsea, we have to wait to talk to them to understand.”