Romelu Lukaku has vowed to send a message to Inter Milan fans “in a few days” ahead of his imminent switch to Chelsea.
The Belgian is set to complete a £97.5 million move to west London to become the club’s record signing ahead of Kai Havertz and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Having completed the first part of his medical on Monday afternoon, Lukaku was due to fly over to England from Milan later that evening to finalise the deal.
Before he set off, the 28-year-old was asked by Internews whether he had a message for the Nerrazzuri fans and he replied with: “Greetings to the Inter fans who wanted me to stay. I’ll send a message in a few days.”
Chelsea want to complete the transfer before their Super Cup clash against Villareal on Wednesday and are set to do just that.
Despite struggling in his first spell with the club, Lukaku returns having proved himself as one of Europe’s best strikers having netted 30 goals in 44 appearances last term.
As Olivier Giroud has already left to join AC Milan and Tammy Abraham could still depart, Lukaku will add much-needed firepower to their frontline.
Havertz and Timo Werner have both played as the lone forward in the Blues’ trusted 3-4-3 shape during pre-season, but the pair will likely be used in wide areas after the Belgian signs.
In addition, Hakim Ziyech will be in the running for a spot on that attacking line after he grabbed a double in their most recent friendly match.
After Chelsea’s game against Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, Thomas Tuchel claimed that he wanted a player who would be able to hold the ball up, and Lukaku seemed like the ideal name to fit that bill.
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He said: “I will not comment on names [but] we could use a type player who is used to playing with their back to the goal and can keep possession out of long balls.
“That means we can add this direct style of play to our portfolio.”
Although he didn’t mention a name at that time, it’s likely that the Blues will finally get a new number nine after previously being linked with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.