Chelsea’s swoop for Romelu Lukaku may cost Manchester United
Chelsea know Romelu Lukaku will help them on the pitch next season, but signing him may also deal a blow to rivals Manchester United.
Bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge is a massive on-field boost for Thomas Tuchel’s side next season. It also may help the Blues score a key victory over Manchester United in the summer transfer market.
The prolific Belgian forward is headed back to England from Inter Milan on a deal that will approach £100 million. The transaction also leaves Inter Milan in need of goal scorers if they want to repeat as Serie A champions.
According to The Sun, the Italian giants have set their sights on Manchester United star Anthony Martial to help fill the void created by Lukaku’s departure. Martial clearly isn’t a favourite of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the higher-ups at Old Trafford, but losing him this summer would leave United short of attacking talent on the wing.
What are the odds Martial goes to Inter?
One of the biggest open questions of this summer’s transfer window is just how much financial trouble Inter Milan are really in. The sudden resignation of manager Antonio Conte sent a clear signal that the Italian club was not standing on solid ground.
The subsequent sale of Achraf Hakimi to PSG was supposed to be enough to satisfy the debts facing Inter. Selling Lukaku wasn’t supposed to be in the club’s plans when the summer began but the deal with Chelsea came together at remarkable speed. That’s another clear signal that Inter are strapped for cash.
That’s why a move for Martial this summer still seems far-fetched for the defending Serie A champs. He’s certainly the type of player Inter need to kick on next year, but United aren’t going to let him go on anything resembling a cut-rate transfer deal.
Next. Manchester United set reasonable asking price for Paul Pogba. dark
Reportedly, United want to come very close to recouping the full £50 million they spend to acquire Martial if they are to let the Frenchman go this summer. That’s not a bad price for a player of Martial’s quality and experience, but it’s likely out of Inter Milan’s price range. Chelsea fans may want to see their Lukaku move as the reason why United lose Martial this summer, but the odds are stacked against the move at the moment.