Journalist Simon Phillips has shared an update on the future of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku amid his loan spell at Inter Milan.

The Lowdown: Lukaku flops...

The Belgium international endured a lacklustre 2021/2022 Premier League season after re-joining the club from Inter, scoring just eight goals in 26 top flight starts.

A far cry from his electric San Siro displays the season prior, Lukaku and Chelsea both parted ways temporarily at the start of this campaign - with the 29-year-old going back to Inter on loan.

The west Londoners once broke their transfer record to seal a deal for him, putting pen to paper on a £97.5 million move, but it now appears that may be a regrettable decision by Chelsea.

The Latest: Phillips shares Lukaku update...

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, reporter Phillips has claimed that Lukaku doesn't want to be a Chelsea player next season and the feeling is mutual at Stamford Bridge.

He explained:

"What I've heard on that is Lukaku doesn't want to come back to Chelsea; Chelsea aren't particularly keen for him to come back either. But the fact is that he's only on a season-long loan at the moment and there's nothing to suggest that will get extended. Chelsea are obviously keen to extend that loan by another season or sort out a permanent sale.

"Inter obviously, at the moment, are holding their cards close to their chest. They want to see how he performs for the rest of the season, if he can keep injury free and score goals. And if it goes well, then yes, they will look to extend it for another season on loan and then at the end of that, it was always the plan to then talk about a permanent deal."

The Verdict: Crucial few months...

The 'powerhouse' striker has bagged just two goals in 13 Serie A appearances this season, so as things stand, the prospect of Inter signing him permanently could be dwindling.

According to WhoScored, in terms of attacking stats, Lukaku's form isn't looking particularly promising overall - averaging far fewer shots, key passes and completed dribbles per 90 than Inter's other star attackers.

It appears the ex-Everton striker has a lot of work to do if he wishes to remain in Milan and Chelsea officials will be hoping he can pick up form very soon.

The cash-strapped Italians are arguably very unlikely to pay back a decent portion of the £97.5m spent by Chelsea to sign Lukaku in 2021.

Indeed, we believe the most Todd Boehly could hope for is a cut-price deal at this point.