Chelsea star ‘much happier’ at loan club and has ‘no plans’ to return to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea currently have 22 senior players out on loan across the English football leagues and in Europe but one big name might not be returning to Stamford Bridge when his short term deal ends.

Romeleu Lukaku is expected to remain at Inter Milan beyond this summer according to reports from Italy this week.

It was widely expected that the striker, who the Blues first signed from Anderlecht in 2011 then again from Inter for £97.5 million in 2021, would be remaining at the San Siro if he did enough to impress bosses at the Italian side.

However, it may already be decided that the Belgian will be staying regardless of how he performs and is also said to be ‘much happier’ than he was in London last season.

Here is what the Italian press are reporting about Lukaku potentially making him loan at Inter permanent:

Lukaku has ‘no intention’ of Chelsea return with new Inter Milan deal ‘on the horizon’

Per Football Italia, Romelu Lukaku is much happier after his Inter return and has no plans to go back to Chelsea when his loan deal ends next year.

The Belgian striker does not have a formal option to buy in his loan contract but the report, which references further stories from La Gazzetta dello Sport, claims Inter will renew his loan regardless of results this season.

It is said that the ‘strong relationship’ between Todd Boehly and Roc Nation, the company that looks after Lukaku’s interests, has been ongoing for years and will be key.

Chelsea loan watch: Hudson-Odoi and Sarr struggling for results

Of the loan players who are expected to return to Stamford Bridge, many have had mixed starts to the season so far.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has made five appearances for German Bundesliga side Bayern Leverkusen, including four starts but has only been on the winning side once - in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

Malang Sarr has also been a regular for Monaco in Ligue 1 and the Europa League this season but the French league side have not had the best star and currently sit fifth in the table.

Hull City currently sit 20th in the EFL Championship table and have three Chelsea loanees in their ranks; Nathan Baxter, Xavier Simons and Harvey Vale.

Also on loan in English football’s second tier are: Ian Maatsen (Burnley), Baba Rahman (Reading), Dujon Sterling (Stoke City) and Tino Anjorin (Huddersfield Town).