Inter Milan are reportedly against a change in terms with regards to a potential second loan deal for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.
After failing to justify his £97.5m price tag during his first season back at Stamford Bridge and failing to adapt to Thomas Tuchel's brand of football, Lukaku was allowed to return to Inter last summer.
Having starred for the Italian giants during their 2020-21 Serie A title triumph, much was expected of the Belgium international in his second spell at San Siro.
However, the 29-year-old has failed to replicate his previous form in Italy's top flight, not helped by injuries during the first half of the campaign.
As a result, Lukaku has just four starts and four substitute appearances to his name in Serie A and the Champions League, contributing two goals and one assist.
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Although Lukaku could improve from now until the end of May, Inter are aware that they have not received value for money, despite the current agreement being a loan.
If reports are to be believed, the financial terms are not expected to change should Inter, as currently expected, loan Lukaku for a second year.
According to Tuttosport, club officials intend to try to alter those terms so that they are more in their favour.
As it stands, it is claimed that Inter would be required to pay €8m (£7m) plus €3m (£2.6m), but that is seemingly a proposal which they want to reduce.
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Unless Lukaku improves considerably during the second half of 2022-23, both clubs face the prospect of a difficult period of negotiations.
Inter are currently not in a position to spend big on a new forward of a similar profile to Lukaku, nor who possesses the qualities of the usually-free-scoring frontman.
However, from Chelsea's perspective, they must attempt to minimalise the damage with FFP as much as possible, the Premier League outfit already aware that they will be taking a hit on their club-record signing.
On the flip side, Lukaku is unlikely to have many suitors based on his current form and fitness, and the player himself is settled in Italy.
Lukaku's contract at Chelsea does not expire until 2026.
Darren Plant
