Romelu Lukaku is set to be handed an astronomical fine by Chelsea that could reach as high as €600,000 (£500,000), according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Lukaku has caused a storm at Chelsea after he gave an unauthorised interview to Sky Sport Italia last week during which he declared his unhappiness at Chelsea, criticised manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and said that he wanted to return to Inter.
This infuriated Chelsea’s management, owners and fans and led to Lukaku being dropped for Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool, with the ex-Inter star not even named on the bench.
Lukaku held talks with Tuchel and the club on Monday where the player is understood to have apologised for his actions. He is also expected to be available for selection for the Carabao Cup game against Antonio Conte’s Tottenham on Wednesday.
However, his future at the club remains very much in doubt, even if Chelsea have told Lukaku that they have no intention of selling him this month.
How much will Chelsea fine Lukaku?
Despite this, a summer move remains possible and, furthermore, Gazzetta reports that Lukaku is likely to be punished by Chelsea with a huge fine.
The pink paper claims that the 28-year-old could be fined as much as €600,000 (£500,000). La Repubblica claim Lukaku will be fined €500,000 (£418,000).
This will equate to over a week’s wages for Lukaku, who makes €20 million (€16.9m).
More will be revealed on Tuesday afternoon when Tuchel addresses the press ahead of Chelsea’s big game against Spurs.
There have been widespread reports that Tottenham could launch a bid for Lukaku due to the close relationship between the striker and Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
However, Conte shot down all talk on Monday by declaring that it was “disrespectful” to the player and Chelsea to discuss his future.
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