Chelsea have opened talks with Inter Milan over a deal for Romelu Lukaku with Thomas Tuchel giving the green light for the striker to return to Italy.
Lukaku joined the Blues from Inter last summer for a club record fee of £97million but is now desperate to leave Stamford Bridge after just one disappointing season back in west London.
According to The Telegraph, Inter held positive talks with Todd Boehly on Wednesday, with Chelsea’s new co-owner in agreement that a move this summer for the Belgium international is the best course of action.
Lukaku is prepared to take a wage cut to help get the move over the line while Chelsea are also expected to cover part of that salary.
Further talks over a loan fee, the exact terms of the deal and whether any Inter players will join Chelsea as part of the arrangement are likely to take place in the coming days.
While a deal is unlikely to be confirmed this week, both sides are eager to agree terms as soon as possible.
Tuchel is also keen for a deal to be agreed quickly so the club can move onto adding to their attacking options.
Chelsea are interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, who will be available on a free transfer next month.
Raheem Sterling is another target with Manchester City prepared to listen to offers for the England international.
Gabriel Jesus has also been offered to the Blues. Arsenal are desperate to sign the Brazil international with Tottenham also interested but the forward’s representatives are exploring all opportunities.
Christopher Nkunku is another option being considered by Chelsea after scoring 35 goals and provided 19 assists in 50 appearances for RB Leipzig last season.
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