Mauricio Pochettino may have just confirmed Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea exit

Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino has discussed the future of Romelu Lukaku (Image: GETTY) Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino may have just confirmed that Romelu Lukaku will be leaving the club. The Argentine discussed the striker in his first press conference as Blues head coach on Friday. Pochettino officially began in his role at the start of July. His first task is to make decisions about players he wants to keep, those he is looking to move on, as well as his transfer targets in the summer window. Several high-profile players have already left Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount and Cesar Azpilicueta are the latest to have gone following the departures of Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly. Chelsea have made signings of their own, confirming the arrival of Christopher Nkunku as well as Nicolas Jackson and Portuguese youngster Diego Moreira. But there is also still focus on exits. Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino may have confirmed the departure of Romelu Lukaku (Image: GETTY) Lukaku has been linked with a permanent move back to Inter Milan after spending last season on loan with the Serie A club. Asked about the Belgian, Pochettino initially stated he will be back for pre-season at some point next week. He said: “The situation, all of the parts, know what we think. I think in that case he needs to come back in 12th or 13th to be in the squad to start pre-season.” However, his next comment was quite telling. Pochettino was asked if he expects Lukaku to come back and he was less committed with his final response. He said: “Yeah, like all of the players when they arrive they come to my office to say hello. If he is still a Chelsea player.”