Romelu Lukaku’s future at Chelsea is becoming increasingly uncertain as his options for a move dwindle.
The 30-year-old striker is currently training with Chelsea’s Under-21 squad and has not had any communication with head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Initially, Pochettino was open to working with Lukaku. But it seems Lukaku has little interest in revitalizing his career at Chelsea.
Chelsea is only considering permanent transfer offers for Lukaku and has rejected all loan inquiries.
Lukaku was signed by the previous owners for £100 million from Inter Milan in 2021 and remains the highest earner at the club, with a weekly wage of £325,000.
Chelsea and their deals
Juventus is willing to pay £35 million for Lukaku, an offer that Chelsea would accept. But it’s contingent on Juventus raising £50 million by selling striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Chelsea has declined the option to take Vlahovic in a part-exchange deal due to concerns about his high wages and injury issues. This leaves Chelsea reliant on a European club making a late move for Vlahovic to free up funds for Lukaku.
Chelsea’s hopes of a Saudi move for Lukaku have also dimmed. Al-Hilal recently signed Aleksandar Mitrovic for £46 million.
Inter Milan’s negotiations with Lukaku collapsed in July after learning of Juventus’s simultaneous talks. This situation strained Lukaku’s relationship with Inter, as he had spent the previous season on loan with them and had reportedly indicated his intent to join them on a permanent deal this summer.
While Tottenham has been linked with a move for Lukaku, they have denied any interest in the striker.
Chelsea might soon have to consider lowering their £35 million asking price for Lukaku or accepting loan offers to facilitate his departure. Additionally, they are facing a challenge with the new rules limiting clubs to five overseas senior loans. And they have only two spots left.
To fill one of those spots, Chelsea is planning to send 18-year-old striker Deivid Washington. Recently signed from Santos for £17 million, on loan to Strasbourg.
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