Chelsea could face a problem in finding a new club for Romelu Lukaku if Roma can’t arrange the cash. Roma director Tiago Pinto hinted that Lukaku’s time with the Italian side could be limited to his loan deal, after becoming annoyed with reporters’ questions.
Chelsea could never become a new home for Lukaku
Lukaku re-signed for Chelsea for what was reported to be a then club record fee of £95 million in 2021. Despite scoring 15 goals in his first season the Belgian expressed being unhappy at Stamford Bridge. Eventually he was loan out to Inter Milan last season.
The Belgian scored 14 goals in 37 appearances for Inter Milan last season. New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was keen to keep the striker in his squad but Lukaku only wanted out. In the end, he left on loan once again, this time to AS Roma.
Lukaku has been impressive for Roma, already scoring 10 times in 16 matches. This has resulted in questions being asked over whether the deal will be made permanent. The season-long loan deal has a reported fee of £8 million attached and no option to buy. However, Roma fans are keen to keep the Belgian for longer.
The Blues would want to get back as much of the £95 million they paid for Lukaku
Roma director Pinto was annoyed by reporters’ questions about Lukaku’s future beyond the summer and suggested that the forward might end up back at Chelsea. He told Sky Sports Italia: “We’ve already courted him, otherwise he wouldn’t be here (laughs).
“Quick to talk about this, let’s enjoy Lukaku until the end, try not to do what you did with Dybala who always asked about the clause, you are a pain (laughs).” Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has spent over £1billion on players since his arrival at Stamford Bridge and will be looking to cut his losses.
Lukaku is contracted with Chelsea until 2026 and the 30-year-old is unlikely to fetch the price of £95 million that the Blues paid Inter Milan. In the summer transfer window Chelsea demanded £38.7 million from Tottenham for the Belgian’s signature. However, Roma could pay less than that. Pochettino will be happier to see Lukaku playing in Italy and not able to haunt Chelsea in the Premier League.
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