Chelsea loanee willing to take pay cut in order to extend stay at current club – Reports

Romelu Lukaku, currently loaned to Inter Milan from Chelsea, is reportedly willing to take a significant pay cut to facilitate an extended stay with his present club, Inter. The story comes from La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia) as a refreshing contrast to the usual tales of players demanding exorbitant wages.

Lukaku has made no secret of his affection for the Nerazzurri, going so far as to express remorse over his whopping €113m transfer to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2021. His regret, fuelled by his contentment with the Champions League finalists, was further accentuated when he returned to Inter on an €8m loan a year later.

Despite a year plagued by injuries, Lukaku has found his groove again, captivating the fans with his exemplary form.

Bearing the mantle for the high-stakes Champions League final against football heavyweights Manchester City and the Coppa Italia Final against Fiorentina, Lukaku is on a mission. Not just to secure titles for Inter, but also to leave an indelible mark that could potentially influence Inter to extend his loan spell for another year.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Lukaku is set to take a proactive step to make this possible. The determined Belgian striker is geared to lower his own salary, hoping to smoothen the path towards his goal. However, his future in Italy is tethered not just to his personal sacrifice. There are a couple of other dominoes that need to fall in his favor.

Inter's continuation in the lucrative world of Champions League football hinges on their ability to secure a spot in the top four. If this fails, Lukaku's dreams may face a significant roadblock. In addition, Chelsea, his original club, would need to cut them some slack on the €8m price tag attached to the one-season loan.

In a nutshell, Romelu Lukaku's extended stay at Inter Milan depends on a complex cocktail of his personal sacrifice, Inter's performances, and Chelsea's financial generosity.

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Chelsea could sell Mateo Kovacic to the Premier League title winners

Blues' midfielder Mateo Kovacic has emerged as a hot prospect, as Stamford Bridge appear open to negotiations for the Croatian international's exit. Notably, there is a hefty £50 million tag dangling from their prized asset. With Manchester City reportedly expressing keen interest, money could potentially change hands.

The Sun (via Chelsea Chronicle) has revealed Manchester City's inclination towards inking a deal for Kovacic in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Blues, on the other hand, has not been shy in declaring their expected return on investment. To part ways with the 29-year-old central midfielder, they're gunning for a whopping £50 million in transfer fees.

Kovacic has had a noteworthy run with the Blues this season, making 17 starts with an additional nine appearances off the bench. As the summer window edges closer, time will tell if the Croatian maestro makes a monumental switch from London to Manchester.