Lukaku facing Chelsea stay after Juventus transfer COLLAPSES
Suraj Radia
- 10 Aug 2023 10:34 BST
- 4 min read
Romelu Lukaku’s future remains uncertain after Chelsea pulled out of negotiations with Juventus over a swap deal for the Belgian and Dusan Vlahovic.
Lukaku has not been part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for pre-season and both the player and Chelsea have been looking to secure a transfer away this summer, however no team has yet to match the Blues’ €40 million asking price.
Juventus had been the latest club to register an interest in Lukaku, much to the fury of their supporters, who protested the potential transfer due to the 30-year-old’s links to rivals Inter.
FURY: Lukaku HUMILIATED by Juve ultras protesting against transfer
Despite the controversy, Juve were still interested in pursuing Lukaku but a move could only happen if Vlahovic was sold, prompting the Italian outfit to hold talks with Chelsea over a swap deal.
However, Sky Sport Italia have claimed that Chelsea have ended talks due to the gap in valuation over Vlahovic, with Juve demanding €40m plus Lukaku for the Serbian.
Chelsea had offered €25m and Lukaku but Pochettino’s side aren’t thought to be keen on Vlahovic and have seemingly opted to end their overall interest in the 23-year-old.
What does the future hold for Lukaku?
Lukaku is unwanted at Chelsea after an explosive interview just months after he joined the club for €113m in 2021 in which he criticised then-manager Thomas Tuchel and admitted his desire to return to former club Inter.
Chelsea ended up loaning Lukaku back to Inter last season and, despite a difficult season filled with injury, the Serie A side were open to signing him permanently for the right price, however his negotiations with Juve prompted the club to label him a ‘traitor’.
Lukaku’s options to remain in Europe appear to be fading and teams from Saudi Arabia are thought to be the only sides willing to meet Chelsea’s valuation despite the forward having rejected a move earlier in the summer.
BRIDGES BURNED: Inter accuse Lukaku of BETRAYAL
Juve could return for Lukaku if they manage to sell Vlahovic elsewhere, with Bayern Munich reportedly considering the striker if their move for Harry Kane fails, meaning a transfer could end up materialising late in the window.
