Romelu Lukaku Transfer: Antonio Conte breaks silence about his number one summer target

Antonio Conte says Romelu Lukaku is still a Manchester United player, but states his frustration.

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte says that he is frustrated by the outcome on Romelu Lukaku’s transfer saga. The former Chelsea boss states about his long-term interest on the striker and confirmed that he wants Mauro Icardi out.

During the summer of 2017, when Chelsea and Manchester United went head-to-head for Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian opted to sign to play under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. He was the first-choice under the manager who bought him two years ago, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prioritizes Marcus Rashford.

Having fallen out of favour at Manchester United, Lukaku called Antonio Conte as the best coach in the world. Besides, he has spoken about his burning desire to play in the Serie A one day.

On the other hand, Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan have been turned down twice by the Red Devils. It is understood that the valuation has not been met, but Lukaku’s agent is working on this move.

Conte confirmed his interest in the striker, but expressed his frustrations as the pre-season comes to an end in two weeks.

Inter Milan manager said: “I think frustrated is a big word. Lukaku is United’s player & this is the reality. You know very well that I like this player but also in the past when I was Chelsea’s coach and tried to bring him to Chelsea. I think today Lukaku is a player with United.”

“I like this player and consider him an important player for us to have a good improvement but at the same there is a transfer market. We know very well which is our situation at the moment & we will see what happens but for now Lukaku is a United player.”

Out-of-favour Mauro Icardi was playing continuously last season, but the board are keen on selling him this season. Conte, who holds the same intention, briefs this situation.

“The situation is very clear, the club was very clear that Icardi is out of Inter’s project. This is the reality.”

“For sure it’s not easy to play without a striker but the market is open so there is still a process for players to come in and out. It’s not easy to play against teams like Juventus and Manchester United without strikers.”

Here’s how Twitter has reacted..

What’s next?

Inter Milan will be able to match Romelu Lukaku’s evaluation if Mauro Icardi heads into the exit door.