London-based club Chelsea is known for its big expenditures; however, despite having spent over £600 million in transfers last season, the Blues only managed a 12th-place finish in the Premier League. The newly appointed manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is permitted to make adjustments to the squad as he sees fit, and it seems like some notable players could be on their way out.
After Mason Mount reportedly agreed a deal with Manchester United, it looks like Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of returning to 2022-23 UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan, and captain Cesar Azpilicueta has already agreed a deal with LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid.
Should Chelsea let Romelu Lukaku go to Inter Milan?
The 30-year-old Belgian forward just finished a loan season with Inter Milan. This summer, he is expected to make his way back to Chelsea, but he has no plans to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku has rejected a gigantic bid from Saudi Arabia and is adamant about playing for Inter in the upcoming season, a stance that has won him even more fans with the Serie A club. Chelsea is eager to get rid of Lukaku this summer, but the club has turned down Inter Milan’s loan offer in favor of an outright sale of the striker.
However, Inter’s unstable financial situation has been a major roadblock. The Nerazzurri do not have the financial resources to make a permanent transfer at this time, so they are considering a loan deal that would include a purchase option for Lukaku in the summer of 2019.
All three parties want to see Lukaku play for Inter next season, so a compromise is expected to be reached soon even though Chelsea would prefer a permanent sale now.
Inter are expected to contact Chelsea again next week in order to advance on Romelu Lukaku deal. New round of talks could take place after signing Brozovic deal. ⚫️🔵🇧🇪 #CFC
New approach expected to be for loan move with buy clause and potential payment in installments. pic.twitter.com/aY8qOCrsFw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2023
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta’s transfer to Atletico Madrid
After reaching an agreement with Atletico Madrid, the Blues are expected to let go of Spanish defender Azpilicueta. Despite signing a two-year contract with Chelsea last summer, the club has no problem approving the 33-year-old’s transfer for a low transfer fee or even for free.
As reported by the reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deal is expected to be signed next week, and Azpi’s contract will be valid for two years – until June 2025.
A bargain at £7 million, Azpilicueta has made over 500 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club from Marseille in the summer of 2012. He led the team to victory in the Champions League final two years ago in addition to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, and two Europa Leagues.
Understand César Azpilicueta’s contract at Atlético Madrid will be valid until June 2025 — can confirm it’s two year deal as revealed on Friday, not 1+1 ⚪️🔴 #Atleti
It will be signed next week, it’s done as Chelsea have accepted to let him leave for free, matter of respect. pic.twitter.com/bnVKfdLCOT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2023
After Ruben Loftus-Cheek left the club to join AC Milan, and with Azpilicueta now leaving, how do you think Chelsea’s backline would look next season? Don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments section.
