Chelsea have been handed a huge blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku with the Belgian confirming he is staying at Inter Milan.
The Blues have been linked with a mega money swoop for the Belgian forward, with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly keen to strengthen his forward line ahead of next season.
The former Everton and Manchester United man has been prolific ever since arriving at the San Siro and was a pivotal figure as the Italian giants lifted the Serie A title under former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Rumours then started swirling once again following the head coach’s decision to leave the club.
However, Lukaku himself has put to bed any speculation, confirming he is set to remain with Inter.
Talking to DevilTime, the striker said: “Yes, I am staying. I've already had contact with the man who normally becomes our new manager. Maybe I shouldn't say that yet... but it was a very positive conversation.”
Lukaku also hailed his aspiration of winning a second consecutive Serie A crown with the club as a reason behind his decision to stay loyal to Inter.
“There's also the challenge of doing it again. I feel good at Inter,” the Belgian continued.
Lukaku’s comments come after reports from Italy suggested that Inter have no intentions of selling the striker - in the upcoming window at the very least.
He still has three years left to run on his contract at the San Siro.
Ever since his arrival in Italy from Manchester United, the 28-year-old has scored 64 goals in just 95 matches in all competitions.
He did have a prior spell at Chelsea earlier in his career but failed to find the net in 15 appearances before signing for Premier League rivals Everton.
