Romelu Lukaku told he can have future at Chelsea – but on one condition

Romelu Lukaku has been told he can still revive his Chelsea career should he want to stay in Mauricio Pochettino’s side next season.

The 30-year-old spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Inter Milan after joining Chelsea a year earlier from the San Siro for £97.5 million.

An unauthorised interview in December 2021 was the beginning of the end for Lukaku at Stamford Bridge, which has seen Lukaku want to remain in Italy with the Nerazzurri. However, Inter are reluctant to sign him on a permanent basis.

Chelsea aren’t open to sanctioning another loan exit and Lukaku doesn’t want to move to Saudi Arabia despite interest, narrowing down the options of a move away this summer. AC Milan are considering a shock move, according to reports in Italy.

During talks with Saudi clubs, it was reported Chelsea valued Lukaku at £60 million, while suggestions in Italy claim €40 million could tempt the Blues to parting company with the forward.

Newly-appointed Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been reported to be open to working with Lukaku should he want to return to the club and fight for a place in the team.

Former Chelsea attacker Florent Malouda believes despite Lukaku still having a lot to prove, he can still have a future at the club – however only on one condition.

Speaking on behalf of BoyleSports about Premier League Betting, Malouda said: “There are many issues to be fixed, but I would not mind Romelu returning to Chelsea because I believe that he can, and he will, have something to prove. However, he can’t do it in the conditions that he previously left under – this is the reality.

“He has to improve his relationship with the fans for sure, because of the interview he gave two years ago when he was there. I read comments saying Pochettino wouldn’t mind working with Lukaku, and this should give Romelu confidence.

“He is still a top player and he has proved that during his time in Italy. He has faced a lot of adversity and he still has some wrongs to correct.

“Chelsea need good players and are not playing in the Champions League, so they need players who want to be here. There are too many players who are looking elsewhere because they don’t feel like they are part of the project.”