Chelsea would reportedly be in favour of Romelu Lukaku signing for Bayern Munich this summer, rather than former club Inter Milan.
During his first season back at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku managed to score just 15 goals, a below-par return for a player who cost £97.5m.
While there have been contrasting reports with regards to whether the Belgium international will spend 2022-23 in West London, the general consensus is that the player would prefer to return to San Siro if an opportunity arises.
With Inter in no position to sign Lukaku on a permanent basis this summer, the Italian giants only have the option of a loan agreement, most likely with an obligation to buy in 2023.
The 29-year-old is allegedly prepared to take a substantial pay cut in order to help facilitate what would be a complex deal to negotiate.
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Nevertheless, according to Tuttosport, as per SempreInter, Chelsea are keen for Bayern Munich to enter the equation as they consider their own transfer plans.
The report claims that Chelsea would favour their chances of signing Robert Lewandowski ahead of Barcelona if Lukaku instead signs for the Bundesliga champions.
Lewandowski has publicly stated on more than one occasion that he wishes to depart the Allianz Arena, imploring club officials to allow him to take on a new challenge at the back end of his career.
As it stands, it appears that the 33-year-old only has eyes for Barcelona, but the Catalan giants are currently unable to finance a deal for the free-scoring Polish legend.
In theory, Lukaku would act as a like-for-like replacement for Lewandowski, with Bayern also able to make a profit if they are prepared to agree to a loan proposal of some kind.
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However, the report adds that Inter may have an ace up their sleeve in the form of Stefan de Vrij, who has been tipped to depart the Serie A runners-up in the summer.
Chelsea are in a position where they desperately require central defenders, particularly ones who are familiar with playing in a back three, after parting ways with Real Madrid-bound Antonio Rudiger.
At a time when Andreas Christensen is on the brink of becoming the second player to leave on a free transfer, Chelsea will realistically be open to signing a replacement for a lower fee when Sevilla's Jules Kounde may cost in excess of £50m.
Inter may allegedly be open to using De Vrij in part-exchange for Lukaku, the 30-year-old realistically valued somewhere in the region of £25m given that he only has 12 months left on his contract.
The Netherlands international made a total of 36 appearances in Serie A and the Champions League this campaign.
Darren Plant
