Inter Milan are hoping to keep Romelu Lukaku at the club with a meeting with Chelsea planned to discuss the striker’s future.

After a dreadful first season back in the Premier League during the 2021-22 season, the Belgium international returned to Inter last summer with the Serie A side paying €8million plus €3m in add-ons for the loan deal.

The 29-year-old has endured a difficult season back in Italy, scoring just two goals in 11 appearances in a campaign where he has struggled with injury and form.

Inter however are still keen to extend his stay with the club next season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lukaku meanwhile is also determined to stay at the Nerazzurri and has no intention of returning to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea paid £97m to sign the former Everton and Manchester United striker in a then-club record deal and are unlikely to recoup anything close to that for the player.

Inter are keen on another loan deal this summer and are looking to strike a deal for half the amount they spent last summer.

A meeting between Inter and Chelsea is likely to take place in March.

Chelsea have spent over £500million on new signings since last summer, not including the £52m deal they have wrapped up with RB Leipzig for Christopher Nkunku in the summer.

The France international is enjoying another prolific season in Germany with 17 goals in 23 appearances with Chelsea fans hopeful he can thrive in a centre forward role in west London.

Nkunku however insists his best role is playing behind the striker, leaving Chelsea in the market for another centre forward this summer having reportedly joined the race to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen.

‘I think that (attacking midfield) is a position that suits me well. Close to the goal behind a striker,’ Nkunku said.

‘That describes me as a player nicely so I always like playing in this role.’

SOURCE: metro.co.uk