£350,000-a-week Chelsea player does not want to return to London, he’s still on holiday

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Romelu Lukaku is refusing to come back to London as he holds out for a move from Chelsea to Inter Milan.

That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

So, what is the latest on Romelu Lukaku? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – if recent stories are accurate – the Belgium international is burning any remaining bridges he still has at Chelsea.

Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport believe Lukaku is desperate for Chelsea to strike a deal with Inter Milan before Thursday 13th July, so he can be part of pre-season training with the UEFA Champions League finalists.

Now – however – the Belgian is so keen to leave Stamford Bridge, that he is planning to stay well away from London.

Gazzetta dello Sport believe the £350,000-a-week man, who is still on holiday following Belgium’s involvement in the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers, does not want to report for training at Cobham under Mauricio Pochettino.

If that is true, Lukaku really is pushing his luck with Chelsea fans.

The 30-year-old has already angered plenty of the Stamford Bridge faithful following that remarkable interview in 2021, where he expressed his desire to return to Inter Milan just months after his £97.5m move to Chelsea.

Chelsea should fine Lukaku if he doesn’t return

If Lukaku – who is Chelsea’s highest earner – doesn’t report for training, then Pochettino should issue him a fine.

The Blues are not the ones who need to speed up this deal.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea have made their demands known with a very reasonable £34m asking price, so the ball is now in Inter Milan’s court.

That price tag already represents a £63.5m loss on Chelsea’s initial investment, so if Lukaku goes on strike in a bid to lower it even more, Pochettino should punish him with a fine.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Inter Milan and Chelsea are expected to hold new talks this week – according to Fabrizio Romano.