Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits Romelu Lukaku's future is unlikely to be at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian forward joined Inter Milan on a loan deal in June after a nightmare first year back in the Premier League following his £97.5million move from the Italian club last summer.
"We decided together with the owners that we'd let him go," said Tuchel.
"It was his wish to go, he had the possibility, we let him go.
"We brought now Raheem Sterling, which gives us a lot of flexibility, a lot of mobility, a lot of attacking options at the front, even if we don't recruit more players."
Tuchel did admit, however, that there is a chance Lukaku could return to west London next summer once his loan deal with Inter expires.
"Given the fact he's just on loan, of course there's a chance," added Tuchel.
"I don't know if it's very likely, but it's not on me to give an outlook on that. There is a chance for it."
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