By Oviri Kelvin
Chelsea Romelu Lukaku’s intent to return to Italy with AC Milan reportedly interested in the player may have hit the brick wall.
The Belgium international, unsettled at Chelsea since his record move to the West London club, has fallen below the striking order in recent times with Kai Havertz preferred by Thomas Tuchel in the squad’s lineup.
After failing to meet up with the expectation of his £97.5million deal from Internazionale in Stamford Bridge, scoring 12 goals in all competitions this season inclusive of 5 Premier League goals, Lukaku seeks a return to Italy.
Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and AC Milan have reportedly signified interest but the latter have found an alternative, opting for Lukaku’s compatriot and Liverpool forward Divock Origi.
With this new dimension AC Milan has taken, it, however, truncates any further interest Rossoneri may have in the Chelsea striker.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Italian giants Milan are waiting for the “right moment” to “define the agreements” with the Liverpool striker.
If the agreements between both clubs sail through, it brings to an end the eight years spell of Origi at Anfield.
Moreover, the unhappy Lukaku has never hidden his desire to return to Italy despite having four years left in his contract.
In December, Lukaku said, “Now I think it’s right to speak because I said that I will always have Inter in my heart and I genuinely hope to one day go back to play there.
“I am in love with Italy, this is the time to let people know what happened, without bad-mouthing anyone, because that’s not my style.
“Now it’s the right time to share my feelings. I have always said that I have Inter in my heart: I know I will return to Inter, I hope so. I am in love with Italy, this is the right moment to talk and let people know what happened,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel believes the embattled striker has what it takes to prove his worth.
Tuchel recently before the clash with Arsenal where Chelsea lost 4-2 at home, expressed that he can bring out the best from Lukaku but the player must be ready mentally for the task ahead. The Trumpet Gathered
According to the Chelsea boss, Lukaku does not need any motivation but just that one moment to ignite his career at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel said: “For us it is clear we can play with Romelu and we can be very strong with Romelu and we proved it. And we will prove it if he is involved and keeps involved mentally and stays involved in the situation. He can grow from it and come back stronger.
“We will push him. We will push as far as we can and as long as the player stays involved in the mentality that is needed to bring a team forward; he can still be a crucial player. I don’t think he needs inspiration. What he needs is maybe that one moment, one spark,” he added.
