Chelsea handed inviting Stefan De Vrij transfer chance within new Romelu Lukaku hypothesis

Stefan De Vrij could be put on the table as a counterweight by Inter Milan in their attempts to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, a report has claimed.

Inter Milan are currently working on the reintegration of Lukaku from Chelsea. They sold him to the Premier League club amid financial difficulties last summer. However, his output in west London has been much lower than what he showed at San Siro.

During his last season with Inter, Lukaku scored 30 goals across all competitions and won Serie A. In his first season back at Chelsea, he scored just 15 goals. His only honour was the Club World Cup.

A return to Inter has been much discussed for Lukaku as a result. He felt more at home with the Italian club than he has with Chelsea.

Reports recently revealed how a deal may be structured financially. The total cost of the transfer – which would be a loan with an option to buy – was estimated to be up to €75m (nearly £64m).

Meetings have been taking place to determine the chances of Lukaku returning to Inter. Now, another option to help it along has emerged.

According to La Repubblica, Chelsea are actually demanding at least €20m for the loan of Lukaku and then a €70m purchase clause. In total, it means they would stand to gain around £76.5m.

Another option, the newspaper claims, would be for De Vrij to be a counterweight in the deal. Inter are willing to send him to Stamford Bridge to help adjust the costs.

Spurs to sign Stefan De Vrij this summer from Inter Milan

Tottenham ready to sign Stefan De Vrij from Imter Milan this summer for cut price

Yet Chelsea will stand firm with their valuation of Lukaku regardless.

Stefan De Vrij opportunity could be ideal for Chelsea

De Vrij, for his part, is under contract with Inter until 2023. Therefore, this summer may be their last chance to sell him.

He has been heavily linked with a reunion with Antonio Conte at Tottenham. But Chelsea could thwart their former boss by taking him in a Lukaku exchange deal, in addition to some cash.

De Vrij would be a useful signing for Chelsea. Their need for defenders is great ahead of the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, and potentially Cesar Azpilicueta.

Due to his comfort in a back three, De Vrij would fit in well for Tuchel. As such, this is an opportunity Chelsea should consider.

However, they will have to get the finances right in relation to the Lukaku deal.

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