Chelsea have been left with an egg in their face after failing to convince Romelu Lukaku not to return to the club this summer. Since then, the striker has inspired AS Roma, while Mauricio Pochettino will sign a high-quality striker in the January signing. window.
The Blues have struggled this season, and their win over nine-man Tottenham on Monday night only filled the cracks at Stamford Bridge. Todd Boehly has spent over £1 billion on new signings since his arrival, but the immense point of spending has yet to be justified.
There have been bright flashes at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, but Pochettino has yet to contend with attacking issues. Therefore, seeing Lukaku thrive on loan at Roma would possibly be a bitter tablet for the former Tottenham manager.
Transfermarkt have ranked the striker as the most effective signing made by a Serie A club this summer, ahead of Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca and Inter Milan star Marcus Thuram. Lukaku has scored six goals in nine league appearances for Roma, with manager Jose Mourinho helping the No 9 perform at his very best.
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The 30-year-old led the line very well at the Stadio Olimpico, with his very good holding game and willingness to hold on to crosses perfectly suited Roma’s taste of play. Roma are already looking for tactics to retain the former Manchester United star.
It’s unclear exactly what payment Chelsea will ask for Lukaku, it’s incredibly unlikely that they’ll get anywhere near the £97. 5m they paid for their facilities in 2021. And with the striker’s contract expiring in 2026, his value will depreciate through the summer.
Pochettino was keen to talk to Lukaku when he was appointed Blues manager, but his strategy was rejected when the striker made it clear he was looking to leave the club, either on loan or permanently. Chelsea decided not to resist, despite their apparent desire. a striker of his caliber and held talks with several interested clubs.
Since then, Lukaku has threatened to speak out about the move speculation that spread over the summer, hinting that he might find out why he was so desperate to leave Chelsea and what soured his relationship with the club.
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