Furious Inter pull out of Lukaku deal after Belgian striker’s secret talks with rivals Juventus

Juventus have reportedly prepared a bid for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku and have been given a boost after Inter Milan’s withdrawal from the race.

Reports today detailed how the Nerazzurri have decided to give up on signing the 30-year-old Belgian striker this summer, unhappy with his talks with Juventus and recent distance from the club.

Lukaku had seemed set to return to Inter but now will have to hope Juventus make a concrete offer, as the only other serious suitors come from Saudi Arabia.

As highlighted by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Juventus have prepared a bid for Lukaku, worth €37.5m with €2.5m in add-ons, matching Chelsea’s €40 million price tag.

Their offer is only valid should they manage to sell Dusan Vlahovic before August 4. The Blues are not interested in a possible swap deal involving the two strikers, despite various media reports.

Juventus will now have to hope to find a buyer for the Serbian striker, who is valued at around €75-80m, in the coming weeks if they want to secure a deal for Lukaku.

According to Di Marzio, Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio did finally manage to get Lukaku on the phone on Friday.

There was only a brief conversation, however. Di Marzio states that the call lasted all of 30 seconds.

Ausilio’s message to Lukaku was simple – it’s over. There will be no return to Inter for the 30-year-old, one way or the other. Inter will inform Chelsea that they are pulling out of talks.

What happens next for Lukaku is now somewhat up in the air. He certainly will not be joining Inter, but Juventus will have to sell Vlahovic before they can sign him.

Other possibilities would be a move to the Saudi Pro League, or staying at Chelsea after all.