“That’s what I expect” – Pochettino issues Romelu Lukaku demand upon Chelsea pre-season return amid Inter Milan

Mauricio Pochettino has told Romelu Lukaku what he expects from him if he returns to Chelsea for pre-season.

Many of the Chelsea squad have already started to report back to their Cobham training base to begin preparations for the 2023/24 season, but Lukaku is still on his holidays following international involvement with Belgium.

Lukaku‘s future remains unclear having spent last season on loan at Inter Milan. He wants to return to the San Siro on a permanent basis, however Chelsea won’t sanction another loan move.

Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio revealed earlier this week that Lukaku is wanted and talks are ongoing over how they can strike a deal, with Chelsea not ready to sanction another loan move.

“I don’t like to talk about timing, but about ideas,” said Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio.

“Lukaku is an idea of ours, but he is a Chelsea-owned player. The dialogue never stopped with them, we know he cannot be handed to us for a second season on loan, so we are evaluating if it is possible to buy him outright.

“He knows full well that we want to bring him back here, we’ll see if we can find the solution with Chelsea.”

Chelsea have already signed two forwards this summer in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. Lukaku looks set to leave and is unlikely to come on the Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States later this month.

Pochettino was asked in his first press conference since being appointed Chelsea head coach about Lukaku’s future and made his demands clear if he hasn’t left the club before he is due back at Cobham.

“He needs to come back July 12/13 to be part of the squad to start pre-season,” said Pochettino.

“With all the players that arrive, first thing that they’re doing is to come to my office and say hello. That’s what I expect if he’s still a Chelsea player.”

Two players who will return to Chelsea following international duty are England duo Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke. The pair after currently with the Under-21s at the European Championship. and will play in Saturday’s final against Spain.

Pochettino wished them luck and confirmed they will report back on the day they fly to America. He added: “We spoke yesterday (Thursday) with Levi and Noni. I know Noni from Tottenham in the Under-18s. I wish all the best for tomorrow (Saturday).

“We are waiting for them to be with the team. The day we fly to America they will join us.”