Chelsea transfer roundup: Romelu Lukaku set for Inter Milan return, Blues cool interest in Ousmane Dembele

The Blues are in the market for central defenders following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while attacking reinforcements could also be made amid uncertainty over the future of last summer's record signing Romelu Lukaku.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest Chelsea transfer news, including an update on Lukaku's position at the club and potential moves for Ousmane Dembele and Matthijs de Ligt.

Inter Milan set to re-sign Romelu Lukaku on loan

Romelu Lukaku's disappointing 12-month stint at Stamford Bridge is finally set to come to an end, as he appears to be edging closer to a return to Inter Milan.

Italian journalists Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano claim that Chelsea and Inter have reached an agreement over a loan switch for the 29-year-old striker, with the Serie A giants to pay around €8m (£6.9m) plus add-ons.

The deal is believed to be a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy next summer, and Lukaku is allegedly taking a significant pay cut to force through his move back to San Siro.

Thomas Tuchel is in favour of Lukaku's departure from Stamford Bridge after the striker struggled to hit the heights expected with the Blues, albeit scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions last season.

> Read the full story HERE

Chelsea cool interest in Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele

The future of Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele is yet to be resolved, with the 25-year-old winger set to see his current contract expire on June 30.

Chelsea are one of a host of top European clubs who have been linked with the France international, but Sport claims that the Blues have now cooled their interest.

The report adds that Chelsea are 'surprised by the footballer's demands' considering his injury record over the last few seasons.

Should the Blues reignite their interest, Dembele would allegedly want assurances over playing time under Tuchel before considering a move to West London.

Dembele, who has also been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, has made 150 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, recording 32 goals and 34 assists.

> Read the full story HERE

Chelsea leading race for Matthijs de Ligt

There is no hiding the fact that Chelsea will look to sign at least one centre-back this summer, and one name who could be heading to Stamford Bridge in Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt.

Calcimercato claims that the Blues are in pole position to sign the 22-year-old Dutchman ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.

De Ligt has two years remaining on his contract in Turin but he will allegedly need to take a pay cut if he is to sign an extension.

Even though De Ligt was a valuable first-team member at Juve last season, featuring 42 times across all competitions, the former Ajax man has publicly refused to rule out a potential exit from the club in the near future.

> Read the full story HERE