Romelu Lukaku has been heavily linked with a permanent transfer from Chelsea for a while, and he looks set to finally land his move
Pochettino details Lukaku ‘agreement’ as Chelsea striker transfer plan clear (Image: Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Chelsea intend to offload Romelu Lukaku before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. The 30-year-old striker has faced an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge for a while now, and he looks set to finally cut ties with the Blues.
Ahead of the west Londoners’ clash against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, Pochettino explained that the club and the player have agreed that a fresh start is best for both parties. When asked whether he could reintegrate Lukaku into the Chelsea squad if he fails to secure a move, the 51-year-old replied: “It is not only one side – it is two sides needed to find the best solution.
“You cannot put it only on the club, it is about both sides. The situation is where it is because of both sides. Both sides have arrived at an agreement.
“We were informed before we signed about the situation of every single player,” added Pochettino. “After we signed, we had the squad that we had. It is so clear that nothing has changed, and if there is something to inform then we will inform.
“There is nothing for us to do – I need to be focused on my team to try to perform. We cannot spend energy on a situation that was clear before we arrived at Chelsea.”
According to the Evening Standard, Juventus have bid £32million, plus £2m in add-ons, for Lukaku, but their offer relies on the sale of Dusan Vlahovic. The report states that Al-Hilal have agreed a £40m fee with Chelsea for the Belgium international, however they’re expected to walk away from a deal after signing Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham.
Earlier last month, Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the club’s intent to sign Lukaku this summer. But, once the Nerazzurri caught wind of the striker’s talks with the Old Lady, they pulled out of the race to sign him.
Lukaku, who sees his contract at at Stamford Bridge expire in 2026, featured 25 times for Inter in the Serie A last term, scoring ten goals. Despite his relatively unimpressive performances for Simone Inzaghi’s side, the Belgian was still heavily linked with a return to the San Siro at the end of the season – but that bridge seems burned now…
Soucre: football.london
