Juventus fans protest against signing Lukaku as Chelsea talks are held

18 July 2023 , 13:00
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Romelu Lukaku could leave Chelsea this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku could leave Chelsea this summer (Image: Getty Images)

Juventus fans formed a mini-protest outside the club's medical centre as they expressed their frustration against the Old Lady's pursuit of signing Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku, 30, is ready to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer and the forward had been heavily linked with a return to Inter Milan after spending last season on loan in Italy. That followed a disappointing second stint at Chelsea, where he netted 15 times in 44 games across all competitions.

However, Inter are reluctant to fork out the £40m asking price for his signature, prompting Juventus to join the race for the Belgium international. The Old Lady are now in talks with Lukaku and Chelsea over a potential deal but a section of the club's supporters have made it clear that they oppose the transfer.

A video which was filmed on Monday outside Juventus' medical centre captured fans chanting "We don't want Lukaku" in a clear message to the club's hierarchy.

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Meanwhile, Lukaku has also been targeted by Inter Milan ultras group Curva Nord after being linked with Juventus. As per SPORTbible, they said: "Never see each other again, Lukaku. You have betrayed all of us. We always defended you in difficult moments, now you give us a stab.

"You are selling yourself to the highest bidder after kissing our badge. You are not a real man."

Amid the rumours surrounding Lukaku's future, he landed in London on Tuesday morning to train at Chelsea as planned. The ex-Manchester United striker will start his pre-season preparations for the new campaign after time off following international duty in June.

Lukaku will remain at Cobham alongside Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while the rest of the squad travel out to the United States for a pre-season camp. Chelsea are set to take on League Two newcomers Wrexham on Thursday, before facing Newcastle, Brighton and Fulham in the new Premier League summer series. This is all before a game against Borussia Dortmund on August 3 in their final scheduled pre-season friendly.

It doesn't like Lukaku will feature for the club in pre-season as they prepare an exit route for the forward, with Dusan Vlahovic being lined up as a possible replacement. The 23-year-old could be ready to leave Juventus this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea Tottenham among the clubs linked.

Vlahovic scored 14 goals in 42 appearances during his first full season at Juventus after his £60million move from Fiorentina in January 2022.

Kieran King

Romelu Lukaku, Juventus FC, Chelsea FC

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