Chelsea set £40m asking price for Romelu Lukaku as AC Milan join race with Inter

Chelsea are ready to take a significant hit on Romelu Lukaku with AC Milan joining the race to sign the striker this summer, according to reports in Italy.

Lukaku spent last season on loan at Inter having struggled to make an impact at Chelsea following his £97.5 million move to Stamford Bridge in August 2021.

Inter have already begun talks with Chelsea over extending Lukaku’s loan deal for a second season but the Premier League side would prefer a permanent sale.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea would accept a £40m offer for the Belgium international but Inter are unwilling to meet their asking price.

The report claims that AC Milan are now considering a move for Lukaku and hope to sign him alongside Marcus Thuram, who is available on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach, as part of their new-look attack.

Lukaku, who scored 14 goals for Inter last season but struggled with injuries, has also received interest from the Saudi Pro League, however, he remains keen to continue at Inter.

AC Milan, meanwhile, have also held talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer.

The club finished fourth in Serie A last season, securing the final Champions League spot but were 20 points behind champions Napoli.

AC Milan are also in talks with Newcastle United to sell Sandro Tonali in a €70m (£60m) deal.

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