Juventus made first contact for Romelu Lukaku in March

Serie A giants Juventus made their first contact for Chelsea striker and ex-Inter man Romelu Lukaku back in March.

Gianluca di Marzio has reported the first contact between Cristiano Guintoli’s deputy Giovanni Manna and Lukaku’s lawyer Sebastien Ledure, took place back in March. Ledure took note of interest from the Bianconeri and told Juve that they would talk about things after the Champions League final against Manchester City.

On the Monday after the final, Juve and Lukaku ‘shook hands’ on a potential move without Inter knowing about it. The fact that the Belgian didn’t start in the final did influence Lukaku’s decision and that is why he later made it public.

As of now, Juve are Lukaku’s only option as the swap deal involving Dušan Vlahović isn’t taking off due to two reasons. There are technical reasons that pertain to the Growth Decree regulations and then there’s the negotiation involving the transfer fee and the demand placed by the Old Lady.

Juve want a fee of €35 million to €40 million and the Belgian to sell their Serbian striker, with Chelsea’s offer still lower by at least €10 million. There is a feeling that inclusion of bonuses could do the trick for the deal.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN