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Inter Milan GM Marotta explains plans for Chelsea pair Azpilicueta and Lukaku

Inter Milan GM Beppe Marotta has confirmed they're seeking to wrap up a deal for Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Spain defender is working on Chelsea to grant him a free transfer as he pushes to leave for Inter.

Marotta said, “I will not deny that Ausilio, Baccin and I had Azpilicueta as a player we like, as apart from his technical characteristics, he has great experience and a winning mentality for the locker room.

"However, he is Spanish, it seems he is intrigued by some proposals from Spain, so naturally he is evaluating it. That is only normal and we respectfully wait for his response."

Marotta was also asked about re-signing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku after last season's loan with Inter Milan.

“I don't want to get into the dynamics. We are working as a team on the objectives we have set. I believe a director ought to be ambitious and not be embarrassed to aim high, but the deals ultimately depend also on the fee and the personal terms.

“Over the next few days, we will evaluate all those things keeping sustainability in mind.

“Let's not forget the move was made by the previous owners of Chelsea. So the new owners have to consider whether Lukaku is part of their project and plans for the future. If he is not, then their strategy will change.

“Obviously, they cannot think of putting him on the market for a big fee. I believe the offer from Saudi Arabia was circa €50m, which is still a long way off the fee that we got from Chelsea, which was €115m."

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