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Romelu Lukaku has apparently requested not to play for Inter Milan in their pre-season friendly against Parma on Sunday. The Belgian striker is reportedly close to completing a big summer move to Chelsea.
The European champions have been interested in signing a new striker during the summer transfer window as they look to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
But they have had a quiet transfer window so far with their only signing being Marcus Bettinelli on a free from Fulham.
However, that looks set to change with a reported £100 million-plus move for Lukaku edging closer.
They had been linked with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland but they now look to have changed their attention towards the Belgium international instead.
Lukaku made 10 appearances for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 before being sold to Everton by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
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And current Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is now facing up the possibility of losing his main number nine this summer.
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Lukaku has refused to play for his current club in their pre-season friendly against Parma with a return to Chelsea imminent.
And a phone call is reportedly planned today between Inter and Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia to complete the deal.
Chelsea will be looking to build on last seasons fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will be expected to compete for the Premier League title next season off the back of winning the Champions League.
Chelsea’s victory in Porto at the end of the last campaign mean’s that their first competitive action of the new season comes in Europe.
Having won the Champions League, the Blues will take on Europa League winners Villareal in the UEFA Super Cup on August 11.
After that, they begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on August 14.
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