Romelu Lukaku is set for a return to the Serie A to join AS Roma, in what would be a third reunion with Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a fresh loan deal with the Giallorossi for the want-away striker.
Roma have been in the market in search of a striker and it appears Romelu Lukaku is their priority target in attack.
Jose Mourinho’s side on Monday, August 28, 2023, reached a £8 million agreement with Chelsea to bring in the controversial figure.
Mourinho managed Romelu Lukaku while at Chelsea during the 2013 season before the forward went on loan to Everton.
The 60-year-old also coached Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United from August 2017 till December 2018.
Romelu Lukaku to AS Roma
Meanwhile, there are still some little details that need to be ironed out before Lukaku makes an instant return to Italy.
Romelu Lukaku will reportedly see his wage reduce significantly, as he would earn less than his £325,000 weekly wage at Chelsea.
Reports also indicate that in addition to a reduction in wages, Chelsea have embedded a £37 million release clause in the Belgian’s loan deal to Roma.
His departure will help Mauricio Pochettino’s side save a significant chunk of about £16 million this campaign in salary.
However, despite inserting a release clause in his deal, there is no obligation from Roma to buy Lukaku next June when his loan deal ends.
Romelu Lukaku has had an interesting past few months in football, from having an irredeemable end to the 2022/23 season due to his horrendous display in the Champions League final to being ostracized from the Chelsea squad.
The 30-year-old was banished from training with the first-team squad of Chelsea and he opted to train with the Under-21s.
Lukaku didn’t also get a look-in from Mauricio Pochettino, as he instead went in search of alternatives in the market.
Romelu Lukaku scored 14 goals and provided 7 assists in 37 appearances for Inter Milan across all competitions last season.
Why did Lukaku leave Chelsea?
The Belgium international’s comments led to him leaving Chelsea on loan for the Nerazzurri, as fans wanted him out of the club.
Lukaku expressed that he isn’t happy with the situation that led to him becoming more of a bench player than a regular starter.
He said: “I think the coach has chosen to play with another system, I just have to not give up and continue to work and be a professional.
“I am not happy with the situation, but I am a professional and I won’t give up.”
The former Anderlecht attacker also shared his unflinching love for Inter, which was perceived by many fans to be an utter disregard for Chelsea.
The 30-year-old said: “I have always said that I have Inter in my heart.
“I really hope from the bottom of my heart to return to Inter not at the end of my career, but when I’m still at the top level to win more together.”
Both Mauricio Pochettino and American billionaire Todd Boehly inherited the brouhaha between the player and the club, and they had no chance but to toe the line followed by their predecessors.
Romelu Lukaku was infuriated by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel due to his tactics and he was punished for going overboard in an interview.
Lukaku had to make a public apology before he was reinstated back to the club, but the deed had already been done.
The former Everton forward scored 15 goals and provided 3 assists in 59 appearances for Chelsea.
The Blues initially made their stance known over their intention to only sell the attacker permanently, but they have been forced to retrace their stance.
Clubs interested in Romelu Lukaku
Juventus were interested in signing Romelu Lukaku but they faced fierce rejection from their supporters concerning the deal.
Former club Inter Milan were also reportedly looking to sign the Belgian but they weren’t direct about their interests.
Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal were also interested in signing Lukaku, but a divergence in salary led to him rejecting their advances.
The 30-year-old joined Chelsea on August 12, 2021, from Inter Milan for a fee of £97.5 million.
Just like Nemanja Matic reunited with Jose Mourinho on July 1, 2022, joining Roma from Manchester United, Romelu Lukaku is the latest name to be teaming up with the legendary Portuguese.
