Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino are understood to be aligned in the thinking Romelu Lukaku must be sold this summer.
The 30-year-old was a £97.5m signing from Inter just two seasons ago, though his second stint at Stamford Bridge is coming to a premature end.
Inter, Juventus and Saudi sides all emerged as genuine contenders to snap up Belgium’s all-time leading scorer. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, an agreement worth €40m with Inter was close, though has since fallen through.
Explaining why, Romano revealed Inter were left shocked at Lukaku holding talks with bitter rival Juventus.
As such, a move to the San Siro is now dead in the water, and Inter have wasted no time lining up an alternative from Arsenal instead.
Folarin Balogun is in their sights, with Romano’s claim on that front backed up by Gazzetta dello Sport.
What’s more, Romano claimed Arsenal are expected to command €40m for Balogun. That is the exact fee Inter set aside for Lukaku, while Gazzetta added the full sum will now be put towards signing Balogun.
“It’s important to clarify the shocking situation regarding Romelu Lukaku,” wrote Romano for Caught Offside.
“The deal between Inter and Lukaku is 100 percent off – this is the situation at the moment, with Inter now exploring different options.
“Lukaku shocked Inter and left them furious when they found out that the people close to him were also negotiating with Juventus.Inter did their best for Lukaku in a difficult moment in his career, re-signing him from Chelsea for a big loan fee and paying his big salary, and doing their best to support him when he was injured.
“Inter were on the verge of reaching an agreement with Chelsea for Lukaku – it was an agreement worth €35m plus add-ons, it was almost imminent with Inter ready to submit their final bid and Chelsea ready to accept. Then Inter found out about the Juventus talks and decided to leave the negotiations.”
Inter option emerges at perfect time
Romano added: “Folarin Balogun is one player Inter appreciate – they want to understand Arsenal’s price tag.
“It’s nothing concrete yet, and Inter have other names on their list, but he’s a player they appreciate and so they want to know what Arsenal’s fee will be.
“The discussion will take place and sources expect it will be around €40m.”
Balogun’s stock is at an all-time high on the back of a breakthrough campaign with Reims last year. The USA international bagged 21 Ligue 1 goals during his season-long loan.
However, with new signing Kai Havertz an option up front and Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in situ, Balogun has no place back at the Emirates.
The striker is understood to be against another loan spell away, while the Athletic previously reported he’ll not sign a contract extension.
As such, Arsenal will entertain permanent offers for Balogun this window and Inter are mobilising after pulling the plug on signing Lukaku.
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