Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku is closing in on a loan switch to AS Roma
Speaking to Dutch publication Het Laaste Nieuws (h/t football.london), Belgian star Romelu Lukaku has given a hint about his future plans following his fall from grace at Premier League giants Chelsea.
The 30-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge for a second spell in 2021 following an MVP season at Inter Milan where he led them to the Scudetto. However, Lukaku struggled to impose himself in west London and was sent back to the Giuseppe Meazza on a season-long loan in the summer of 2022. However, his second spell in Italy was marred with injuries and poor performances that were a shadow of his former self.
Not back at Chelsea, Lukaku has found little encouragement from new manager Mauricio Pochettino and does not appear to be in the Argentine’s plans. A summer exit appears the best foot forward, potentially proving to be a win-win for all parties.
Lukaku has not just burnt the bridges with Inter but has also found few takers in Turin as far as Juventus’s interest goes. With him not keen on moving to Saudi Arabia yet, a loan deal appears to be the get-out-of-jail card. Time is running out and the likes of AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur are among those keen on securing his services.
The 30-year-old appears to have dropped a major hint about his future and has hinted that he could be Rome-bound. Speaking in the interview, Lukaku revealed that he will be travelling to the Italian capital soon. Make of it what you will but there are a few coincidences this late in the window.
“I’m going to Rome tomorrow to sign.”
A move to Rome will reunite Lukaku with Jose Mourinho who managed him at Chelsea and also signed him for Manchester United. The Portuguese tactician appears to be a good fit for Lukaku and can help the veteran rebuild his future.
The onus to perform, however, lies with the player who has admittedly been given more chances than most at several clubs to rebuild his career.
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With time running out this summer, Lukaku is not closer to moving to the Middle East. With a transfer to another European side appearing unlikely, a loan switch is the best alternative. The sooner the Belgian part ways with us the better for everyone concerned.