Inter consider Romelu Lukaku 'untouchable' this transfer window

Inter chief executive Beppe Marotta has described Romelu Lukaku as 'untouchable' in the summer transfer window, stating that the Belgian forward will not be leaving San Siro in the coming weeks.

I Nerazzurri have already had to sell defender Achraf Hakimi for €70m this summer, after the coronavirus outbreak left the club in a desperately perilous financial position. Coach Antonio Conte also walked away for the same reason, leaving question marks lingering over the futures of their biggest stars.

But Marotta has put to bed any rumours regarding a possible move for star striker Lukaku this summer, informing Italian outlet Mediaset that the 28-year-old is 'untouchable' in this transfer window.

“Romelu Lukaku is untouchable for us this summer, absolutely. He’s a key player for Inter," Marotta said, putting an end to any recent links with the forward's former club, Chelsea.

This will come as reassuring news for Inter supporters, who were able to celebrate their first title in 11 years for only a matter of days when Conte walked away from the club over doubts regarding the summer transfer policy.

Chairman Steven Zhang informed the Italian that they would have to raise €100m in player sales and slash the wage bill in order to survive the summer, and Conte was unprepared to rip apart the winning machine he had built.

Lukaku was a huge part of that side, and his career hit new heights under the guidance of the former Inter coach. The Belgian arrived in the summer of 2019 and smashed 34 goals in all competitions, equalling a record set by the great Ronaldo for the most goals scored in a debut season at San Siro.

The former Manchester United star bagged 24 times last season, and that was enough to secure Inter their first title in over a decade, ending Juventus' monopoly of the scudetto.

Lukaku's performances, combined with I Nerazzurri's financial struggles, lit rumours that Chelsea could attempt a bold swoop to bring the forward back to Stamford Bridge, but that door appears to have been slammed shut in their faces.