Chelsea are reportedly ready to sell Romelu Lukaku for £37m as Roma look to raise funds in order to purchase the Belgian star.
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Chelsea keen to offload Lukaku in JanuaryLukaku hoping to stay back in RomaRoma must qualify for Europe to complete dealWHAT HAPPENED?
According to Chelsea are aiming to part ways with Lukaku in the next summer transfer window with Roma keen on turning his loan move permanent. Despite Lukaku's outstanding performance in the recent matches, which has seen him score nine goals in 14 games and four goals for Belgium against Azerbaijan in the Euro 2024 qualifier, Chelsea remain undeterred in their decision to sell and have slapped a £37million price tag for the 30-year-old striker. To make the move happen, though, Lukaku needs to agree to a significant pay cut. He is currently the Blues' top earner, despite their transfer activity in recent times.
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Roma manager Jose Mourinho supports a permanent move, but uncertainties remain around his stay at the club as several Saudi Arabia clubs reportedly want to lure him to the Middle East at the end of his current contract in Roma after they failed to get him last summer despite offering a £104m-a-year contract. Antonio Conte has reportedly emerged as a potential replacement who shares a strong bond with Lukaku from their Inter days.
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However, Roma's qualification for Europe and a potential sale of Tammy Abraham could impact the deal as Roma are looking for funds to complete the transfer. The English striker is nursing a long-term knee injury and might be sold off if he fails to score goals to make room for Lukaku.
WHAT NEXT FOR ROMELU LUKAKU?
Juventus, who were previously interested, might reenter the competition, while AC Milan are also monitoring the situation. Nonetheless, Lukaku, who continues to be Chelsea's highest-paid player, might need to reduce his £325,000-a-week wages to half of the amount for a Serie A move.