Inter rule out Lukaku’s transfer amid Chelsea interest, to consider offers for Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan rule out Romelu Lukaku's transfer amid Chelsea and Manchester City interest. It could consider offers for Lautaro Martinez.

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan
Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan IMAGO / Sportimage

Inter CEO shrugs off Lukaku’s exit speculations

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has been drawing interest from Europe’s top clubs following his resurgence with the Italian club, helping them win the Scudetto last season.

Chelsea and Manchester City are understood to be the interested parties. However Inter CEO Marotta has ruled out a summer move for the Belgian striker.

Marotta said: From our side, we can yes absolutely, Lukaku is not for sale. Lukaku is an important piece on the chessboard available to Simone Inzaghi.

Lukaku’s exit rumours fuelled after Antonio Conte, the manager who oversaw Inter winning the Serie A, parted ways after just two seasons due to the club’s financial straits.

The Belgian striker won the MVP award in the Italian top flight last season after racking up 23 goals and 11 assists. He also made his way into the best 11 of the European Championship after scoring five goals for the Belgian Red Devils.

Marotta also added that Lukaku would be central to new manager Simone Inzaghi’s plans next season.

Inter will sell Lautaro Martinez for a big offer

However, the Nerazzurri are considering a sale for Lukaku’s strike partner Lautaro Martinez should a big offer of around 70m euros arrive.

Inter are intending to extend his contract at San Siro but haven’t closed the possibility of his departure for a big offer.

The Argentine youngster was second best to Lukaku for Inter last season. He also successfully carried his form to the national team, playing a key role in the Copa America success.

Martinez had been linked with a transfer to Barcelona last summer before the Spanish club decided to pull the plug after finding Inter’s valuation too high. The Catalan club’s chances to sign the 23-year-old are less now due to their financial crisis. Atletico Madrid are said to be another suitor for the Argentine.