“Don’t Be Surprised” Simon Johnson Claims Chelsea Are Likely To Make THIRD Attempt To Land Key Summer Target

“Don’t Be Surprised” Simon Johnson Claims Chelsea Are Likely To Make THIRD Attempt To Land Key Summer Target

Chelsea are more than likely going to make a third bid for Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, according to The Athletic‘s Simon Johnson.

The former Evening Standard journalist claims that while Inter have already rejected two offers from the Blues, there is a suspicion that another proposal will be tabled before the summer transfer window closes:

“Don’t be surprised if Chelsea make a third attempt for Lukaku – no matter what Inter’s stance is.”

It may seem a bit strange that Chelsea are pursuing Lukaku considering the former Manchester United player has declared publicly on more than one occasion that he is happy in Italy. Inter’s CEO Beppe Marotta has also reiterated the Belgian international is not for sale.

However, Johnson believes there are two key factors that may lead to the 28-year-old moving to Stamford Bridge. Firstly, the player feels he has unfinished business with Chelsea after failing to establish himself in his first spell with the Blues before departing in 2014.

Secondly, Inter’s financial situation is far from stable. The Nerazzurri need to cut the wage bill and, even though there have been rumours they could sell Lautaro Martinez to Arsenal instead, Lukaku’s salary is almost triple the Argentine’s, meaning there is a feeling that the Belgian is more likely to leave.

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.