During a summer in which he hoped to make a fresh start, Romelu Lukaku quietly opened talks with Juventus, according to transfer updates followed by 12BSports. He appeared determined to pursue a new chapter and live without regret. At the time, Inter Milan were working to sign him permanently from Chelsea, but communication with the Italian club suddenly stopped even as Lukaku continued to express his loyalty to Inter in public.

It later emerged that Lukaku had been negotiating secretly with Juventus through his representatives. The Turin club planned to sell Dusan Vlahovic and bring in Lukaku as his replacement, but the strategy collapsed when no suitable deal for Vlahovic could be completed. Chelsea also rejected a proposed exchange involving Lukaku, leading Juventus to retain their Serbian striker. The situation left Lukaku out in the cold, with 12BSports reporting that the forward had become the target of widespread criticism and ridicule.

The atmosphere at Chelsea was equally uncomfortable. Lukaku had personally contacted new manager Mauricio Pochettino to explain that he had no intention of returning to the Premier League. Failure is not the end but an opportunity to begin again, yet Chelsea had already lost patience and wanted him to leave as soon as possible. Inter’s ownership also reacted strongly to news of his secret talks with Juventus, effectively closing the door on any possible return to Milan.

As a result, Lukaku found himself searching for a club willing to provide both a clear role and a suitable financial package. Roma were reportedly keeping an eye on his situation, but no concrete negotiations had taken place. The Italian side’s financial limitations also made it difficult to meet his substantial salary demands. With Juventus, Inter, and Chelsea all stepping away, a move to the Saudi Pro League appeared increasingly possible. What began as an attempt to secure a major transfer had instead sent Lukaku back to square one.

Meanwhile, reports carried by 12BSports indicate that Chelsea were pursuing New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic as part of their wider squad rebuild. Petrovic had already earned recognition with the Serbian national team before moving to Major League Soccer, establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising goalkeepers. Like someone who shines quietly while becoming stronger behind the scenes, he has developed a reputation for producing outstanding saves in one-on-one situations. His ability to use both his hands and feet effectively inside the penalty area could make him a valuable addition to Chelsea’s goalkeeping department.