LUKAKU: CHELSEA READY TO PAY €130M

European champions Chelsea were ready to pay a huge transfer fee for Inter Milan striker RomeluLukakuat the opening part of this summer's transfer window before the Nerazurri shut the door on a possible return to Stamford Bridge for their prized asset. This is according to Sportitaliatransfer expert Alfredo Pedulla who said that the Blues were keen to spend the money to re-sign the Belgian international hitman.

Lukaku has spent two seasons at Inter Milan following his big money move from Premier League giants Manchester United. He is a key player for the Nerazurri as demonstrated by him last season. The Belgian striker played a big role as Inter Milan clinched the Italian Serie A title in style ahead of both AC Milan and Juventus. In total, Lukaku hit 30 goals and 10 assists in 44 games in all competitions.

Inter Milan had not won a league title for over a decade before Lukaku and his teammates ended the drought in style last season.

The form of Lukaku at Inter Milan caught the eye of both Chelsea and Manchester City. The two Premier League teams had Lukaku on their transfer list before he was deemed untouchable by the Inter Milan owners in the wake of Antonio Conte's exit. Italian tactician Conte won the league title for Inter Milan before his contract was mutually terminated this summer. Ex-Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi has since been appointed as his replacement at the San Siro.

Italian journalist Pedulla revealed that Chelsea have a transfer budget of €130m and they were willing to splash it on Lukaku. It was also stated that young Borussia Dortmund star ErlingHaaland is another striker target at Stamford Bridge.

Inter Milan player Lukaku won't be moving to the Premier League this summer despite the interest from Manchester City and Chelsea who both contested the Champions League final last season.