Mauricio Pochettino has not had any contact with Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
That is according to well-respected journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romelu Lukaku, who’s still got three years left on his Chelsea contract, is at the centre of mad transfer speculation in the past few days.
The latest update is that the 30-year-old won’t be returning to Inter Milan, which is where he spent last year on a season-long loan.
Gianluca Di Marzio has reported over this weekend that Italian side Inter have now told Lukaku they won’t be re-signing him this summer. In fact, the Serie A club are withdrawing a £34million bid and are furious about his ongoing talks to sign for Juventus.
Now, Romano has shed some light on the Belgian forward’s future.
Romano has explained today on Twitter that Juventus and teams from Saudi Arabia are still in the race to sign €40million (£34million-rated) Lukaku.
Interestingly, he adds that there’s not been a single conversation between the player and newly-appointed Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues won’t take the attacker on their pre-season tour tomorrow. Instead, he’s staying completely away from Pochettino’s main group.
“More on Romelu Lukaku. Deal OFF with Inter doesn’t change Chelsea plans: he’s expected to return on Monday but won’t travel to USA with the squad,” Romano said.
“Understand Pochettino never spoke to Lukaku: Chelsea want him to leave.
“Juventus, Saudi or any other club ready to pay €40m.”
In our view, Chelsea will be in a much better place once this Lukaku saga ends and he’s sold.
It’s the right idea to pull him aside while the group focuses on their pre-season tour because a huge distraction is the last thing Pochettino needs.
We do perhaps find it a little surprising there’s not been a single chat between the Chelsea head coach and a proven goalscorer on the books like Lukaku, but it’s always felt like there’s no path back for him at Stamford Bridge.
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