Chelsea FINALLY set to sell big money flop
Suraj Radia
- 9 Nov 2023 12:47 CST
- 3 min read
Chelsea could finally be rid of Romelu Lukaku next summer, with Roma keen to turn the Belgian’s loan into a permanent transfer after his bright start to the season.
Lukaku has netted nine goals in 12 games across all competitions for Roma, with eight of those in his last nine matches including a late winner against Lecce last weekend.
Roma are believed to have negotiated an option worth around £30 million in Lukaku’s loan deal and Sky Sports have claimed that the Serie A side are ‘delighted’ with his form, with the player also said to be happy in Rome.
'PHENOMENAL': Lukaku defended by Chelsea legend
Chelsea had been looking to sell Lukaku in the summer after his loan spell at Inter last season but he fell out with the Champions League runners up, while also rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia.
A loan move to Roma was agreed on deadline day for a fee of £8m, while his wages were also covered by the Italians after Lukaku reportedly agreed to a new contract at Chelsea which included a substantial wage cut as well as a release clause of £37m.
Although Lukaku’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2026, neither the club or player have any desire to continue at Chelsea, having made negative comments about the club just months after his £97m move from Inter in 2021.
Lukaku’s return to his best
Lukaku has rejuvenated his career under Jose Mourinho, who he has formed a close relationship with having worked with him at Manchester United and Chelsea previously.
The 30-year-old only scored ten goals in 25 Serie A games for Inter last season but he already has six in his short time at Roma, featuring in every league game he has been at the club for.
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Romelu Lukaku has scored in every #UEL game he has played in since 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟰 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MFTkNbbDxw— LiveScore (@livescore) November 9, 2023
Roma have been desperate for goals since losing Tammy Abraham to a long-term injury earlier in the year and Lukaku’s improved form has seen Mourinho’s men win six of their last seven games across all competitions.
ON FIRE: Lukaku showing Chelsea what they're missing
Chelsea, meanwhile, would be delighted to get Lukaku off their books despite the heavy loss they would make on his transfer, with the striker making just 26 Premier League appearances as the club’s then-record signing before burning his bridges and being loaned out.
