Inter Milan planning to move on from Romelu Lukaku, with Marcus Thuram eyed as replacement | OneFootball

Inter Milan have decided against keeping Romelu Lukaku beyond the summer, meaning he is likely to return to Chelsea, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Belgian returned to San Siro for his second stint in a loan deal last summer but has failed to exceed expectations.

Injuries and the lack of form have led to his downfall this season, and the Nerazzurri are ready to part ways with the former Everton star.

Although Lukaku has chipped in with crucial goals against Porto and Benfica in the knockout stages of the Champions League, his overall form leaves a lot to be desired.

Moreover, his enormous wages of €12 million per season prove to be a stumbling block for Inter, whose financial struggles are well-documented.

The report also adds that Inter have lined up Marcus Thuram and Roberto Firmino as potential replacements should Lukaku leave this summer.

Thuram has been in outstanding form for Borussia Monchengladbach this season, being the second top scorer in Bundesliga.

With the Foals announcing that he will leave at the end of this season, Thuram is one of the most sought-after free agents in the market.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Marcus Thuram of Moenchengladbach looks on during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Deutsche Bank Park on April 15, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Inter have long been tracking the 2022 World Cup finalist, as they cite him as an ideal signing given their economic crisis.

However, the competition is expected to be tougher, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and a handful of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on him.

Similarly, Firmino has joined the list of hottest free agents after confirming his departure from Liverpool this summer.

The Nerazzurri have also opened talks with Italian sensation Mateo Retegui over a summer move, while Lens forward Luis Openda is also on the wishlist of the Italian giants.