Transfer Centre

Inter Milan eye Liverpool's Roberto Firmino as Romelu Lukaku replacement?

By Ben Sully | 27 January 2023

Inter Milan eye Firmino as Lukaku replacement?

Inter Milan reportedly identify Roberto Firmino as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan from Chelsea.

Inter Milan have reportedly identified Roberto Firmino as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgium international returned to Inter on loan from Chelsea last summer, but he has failed to reach the high standards that he set during his first spell with the Italian club.

In Inter's Serie A title-winning campaign in the 2020-21 season, Lukaku registered 24 goals and 10 assists, striking up a formidable forward partnership with Lautaro Martinez.

However, he has been hampered by injuries this season, and as a result, he has been restricted to eight appearances in all competitions, chipping in with two goals and one assist.

A recent report claimed that Inter are exploring the option of loaning Lukaku for a second year, but at a reduced price following his underwhelming campaign.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku reacts in August 2022 © Reuters

However, Inter are also looking at alternative options should they fail to reach an agreement with Chelsea for another loan spell.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are interested in signing Firmino, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Having entered the final six months of his deal, the Brazilian is free to agree a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

Liverpool, however, are still keen to extend his stay at Anfield and talks have reportedly taken place over a new deal, although a resolution is yet to be reached.

Since joining the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015, Firmino has scored 107 goals and provided 78 assists in 348 appearances.

Roberto Firmino in Liverpool training on October 11, 2022 © Reuters

The Brazil international has not featured since the World Cup break due to a calf injury, but he has still managed to contribute nine goals and four assists across 21 matches this term.

While Jurgen Klopp has recently indicated that he wants Firmino to stay at the club, the player has also stated that he is happy on Merseyside.

Firmino recently told the Official Liverpool magazine: "It's incredible playing high-level football here with great players, stars of the game. I'm happy here and I intend to stay here and help Liverpool FC.

"It's a dream for all players to win the Premier League and Champions League. It's history, a huge legacy. When it happened, we felt tremendously privileged, grateful to God for having given this to us."

Liverpool will continue the defence of the FA Cup trophy that they won last season when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth-round on Sunday.