Transfer Talk: Rom's Blues nightmare to end as Real step up Sterling interest
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Romelu Lukaku’s nightmare return to Chelsea is set to end with a temporary move to former club Inter Milan.
The Blues spent £97.5million to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge last summer, seven years after he originally left.
But the 29-year-old flopped in West London, netting just eight Premier League goals and failing to live up to expectations.
A controversial interview with Sky Italia in December strained relations with boss Thomas Tuchel and his standing at Chelsea never recovered.
According to the Guardian, Inter will pay £6.8m for the season-long loan with no obligation to buy the Belgian striker this time next year.
The Blues had wanted £8.5m from last year’s Serie A runners-up but have had to settle for less.
Chelsea may also face competition from Real Madrid in their pursuit of England and Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
Los Blancos are long-term admirers of Sterling, 27, and have been keeping a close eye on his situation this summer.
Now, the Mirror believe they are ready to pounce if the forward decides to end his seven-year stay at the Etihad.
Recent reports have also suggested Sterling would like his future resolved in the next fortnight.
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In other news
The Times say Arsenal’s opening bid for Raphinha is way below Leeds’ £50m valuation of their Brazilian winger.
Newcastle face competition from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain for Reims’ 20-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike, according to L'Equipe.
Football.London believe that West Ham are interested in a move for Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.
