AS Roma unlikely to buy Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku at the end of the season
Romelu Lukaku and his loan spell at AS Roma from Chelsea has been a topic of discussion throughout the season, with the Belgian striker aiming to revive his career. However, Roma are unlikely to pursue a permanent transfer for Lukaku, raising questions about the striker’s future and his potential return to Stamford Bridge.
That is as per Gazetta Dello Sport. Lukaku’s time at Roma has been relatively productive, with the striker netting 18 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. Despite his solid contributions on the pitch, Roma are reluctant to activate the £37m purchase option included in Lukaku’s loan agreement with Chelsea.
Concerns about the striker’s hefty wage demands, which would effectively double the cost of any permanent deal, stand cited as the primary reasons behind Roma’s decision.
What next for Big Rom?
Chelsea, keen to navigate the PSR rules and bolster their squad, had previously agreed with Lukaku’s representatives on a transfer fee for this summer. However, Roma’s reluctance to meet Chelsea’s valuation casts doubt over Lukaku’s future and leaves the Belgian striker in a precarious position as he approaches the twilight years of his career.
Lukaku, who turns 31 in May, stays determined to remain at Roma and hopes to sway the club’s decision with impressive performances in the remaining games of the season. Despite his desire to continue at the Italian club, the financial implications of a permanent deal appear to be a stumbling block, with Roma exploring alternative options to bolster their attacking options.
Interestingly, clubs from Saudi Arabia, who had shown interest in Lukaku last summer, stand expected to renew their pursuit of the striker. Lukaku’s public admission of his interest in joining the Saudi Arabian league back in January further fuels speculation about a potential move to the Middle East.
For Chelsea, the situation surrounding Lukaku presents both challenges and opportunities. Selling Lukaku would provide a significant financial boost and aid the club in adhering to Profit & Sustainability Rules, which have become increasingly stringent in recent years. Moreover, offloading Lukaku could facilitate Chelsea’s search for a new striker, as the Blues look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the next campaign.
More Chelsea News
- Simon Jordan backs Cole Palmer to take Chelsea penalty responsibility
- Ian Maatsen feels things should have worked out for him at Chelsea
- Pat Nevin believes Chelsea star Cole Palmer is following in the footsteps of Kevin De Bruyne
Balancing financial considerations with sporting ambitions is a delicate task, especially for a club of Chelsea’s stature, where success on the pitch is paramount, but financial prudence cannot be overlooked. While it is unlikely that he may return to Stamford Bridge, never say never in football. Let’s see how things go on that front.
