Chelsea have ‘no intention’ to accept Juventus ‘proposal’ with high-profile swap deal on ‘stand-by’

Chelsea have no interest in sending Romelu Lukaku to Juventus in a player-plus-cash deal for Dusan Vlahovic, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Lukaku was expected to join Inter on a permanent basis following his season-long loan at San Siro, but the Champions League finalists reportedly ended their interest after discovering the player was in talks to join Juventus.

He has also been linked with AC Milan and a host of Saudi Arabian clubs, though the Belgian international is believed to be reluctant to play outside of Europe.

This might be Lukaku’s only choice, however, as he is deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and talks over a move to Juventus appear to be at a standstill.

Chelsea are in the market for a new striker – despite the signing of Nicolas Jackson – but Mauricio Pochettino does not want to keep hold of Lukaku.

Juventus’ Vlahovic has been strongly linked with a move to west London and is reportedly available for around £70million.

However, Pochettino’s side have ‘no intention’ to offload Lukaku to the Old Lady in a swap deal for the Serbian striker.

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This is according to Romano, who says Juventus are insisting Vlahovic is worth €40million (£34.5m) plus Lukaku.

Writing for CaughtOffside, the Italian transfer expert says a deal is on ‘stand-by’ despite a contract agreement between Lukaku and Juve.

‘Chelsea have currently no intention to include Dusan Vlahovic in a swap deal for Romelu Lukaku despite Juventus’ proposal,’ Romano wrote. ‘Chelsea respect Vlahovic but are working closely with Lukaku on an exit — Europe now or Saudi in September.

‘Juventus keep asking for €40m plus Lukaku and that’s why the swap is currently on stand-by, with Chelsea looking at different options. Lukaku has agreed a three-year deal with Juve.’

Meanwhile, Juve manager Max Allegri insists he is “very happy” with Vlahovic.

“Vlahovic is our striker, I already said that in case we receive big proposals the club is going to decide,” Allegri said.

“I don’t decide on these kind of things – I am very happy with Vlahovic.”

Lukaku is no longer wanted at Inter, is surplus to requirements at Chelsea, and now looks unlikely to get a transfer to Juve.

And during a training match at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, Juve fans stormed the pitch to chant: “We don’t want Lukaku”.

So… Al-Ahly, anyone?

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