Chelsea reject Inter, won't budge on Romelu Lukaku's valuation

Chelsea have warned Inter that they must come closer to their £40m asking price for striker Romelu Lukaku, according to sources.

The two clubs have been negotiating Lukaku's transfer for months, with Chelsea rejecting several offers from Inter.

Chelsea are determined to recoup a significant portion of their initial £97.5m investment in the player.

Inter's attempts to secure Lukaku on loan were quickly dismissed by Chelsea, who only entertain the idea of a permanent departure.

A recent offer of around £30m from Inter has been turned down, and Chelsea are pressing Inter to increase their bid by another £10m.

Inter, constrained by a limited transfer budget, hope to avoid a hefty expenditure on Lukaku.

However, if the expected sale of Andre Onana to Manchester United materialises, it may provide Inter with more flexibility in negotiations.

Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, complicated by the fact that Chelsea still owe money to Inter from Lukaku's initial purchase in 2021.

Lukaku is willing to take a significant pay cut to facilitate the transfer.

Although there has been interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabia, Lukaku is focused on returning to Inter and is waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement.