Chelsea have knocked back interest from Inter Milan for two stars Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Following their below-par 2022-23 season, the Blues find themselves needing to lower the number of senior players on their books at Stamford Bridge. With nearly every player available on the market, Inter sent representatives to discuss certain players with Chelsea.

The Nerazzurri informed the Blues of their intention to sign Lukaku and Koulibaly on loan, and would like to receive a discount on the Lukaku loan deal, allowing them to sign him for a lower fee than the £6m they paid last summer. The Blues rejected their proposals for both players off the bat as they only look to sell the duo permanently.

Chelsea remain in negotiation with the Italian side over other players of interest to both sides this summer, but they will not release Koulibaly or Lukaku on loan.

Chelsea news: Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly set for exit, Saudi possible destination

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly has no plans to have Koulibaly in his squad next season, and Lukaku has made it clear that he does not intend to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of his loan spell at the San Siro.

Chelsea have told Inter they’ve no plan to accept loan deals for Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly at this stage. 🔵 #CFC

Talks between clubs will continue in order to find a solution; player’s position will also be crucial to understand how to proceed. pic.twitter.com/hFi6sK4EAq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2023

With no suitable approach from Inter, Chelsea are considering selling Lukaku to Saudi Arabia. The Belgian striker has held negotiations with Al-Hilal but failed to reach an agreement.

In the case of Koulibaly, a number of clubs are interested in his services, including Bayern Munich and Saudi champions Al-Ittihad. The Senegal international is unlikely to be at Stamford Bridge for the start of the 2023-24 season.