Chelsea ‘launch swap deal involving Lukaku for Inter ace’ in blow to Prem rivals

NEWCASTLE have suffered a major blow after a report claimed that Chelsea want one of their main transfer targets in exchange for Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian striker spent last season on loan at Inter Milan after initially arriving at Stamford Bridge from the San Siro for £97.5m 12 months earlier.

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The Italian club, who lost to Manchester City in last week’s Champions League final, and the 30-year-old now want that switch to be permanent.

Mauricio Pochettino was believed to be willing to give Lukaku a fresh start at Chelsea but it now seems that his exit will be a formality.

Lukaku has also been offered an incredible £21m-a-year to move to Saudi Arabia but Inter is where his heart is.

And now Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport has claimed that Chelsea have asked for Nicolo Barella in exchange for Lukaku.

The two clubs are allegedly in an ongoing dialogue to try and get a deal sorted, but Inter are reluctant to lose one of their best midfield players.

The Italy star, 26, was a key player in Inter’s run to the Champions League final.

But it emerged this week that the ace, who is new Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham’s favourite star, is also wanted by Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side have allegedly entered talks with Inter to buy Barella for £50m.

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However, these fresh claims would provide a huge setback to the Magpies’ hopes of landing him.

Barella has been at Inter since 2019 following an initial loan from Cagliari.

The 43-time Italy international has scored 20 goals in 187 games.

And he’s won a Serie A title plus two Italian Cups during his time at the San Siro.

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