Romelu Lukaku could finally end his second spell at Chelsea this summer.
The Belgian foreigner has made 44 appearances for Les Bleus since returning to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan in a record £97. 5m deal in 2021.
Lukaku conducted an explosive interview criticizing the way former manager Thomas Tuchel treated him just months after joining the club and subsequently being loaned out.
The striker returned to Inter on a temporary basis in 2022 and reached the Champions League final before infuriating the Nerazzurri by negotiating with arch-rivals Juventus after the temporary stay.
Juventus then ended their interest amid fan protests, leaving Lukaku in the void. He turned down a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and joined former coach Jose Mourinho at AS Roma on loan.
The Italian capital club is not expected to re-sign the 31-year-old despite scoring 21 goals in 47 games, while Mourinho has denied any suggestion that he is looking to sign Lukaku for a third time after facing the Turkish giants. Fenerbahçe.
Napoli, now controlled by former Inter coach Antonio Conte, are interested in a transfer of the striker valued at £38m.
Conte may have to upgrade star striker Victor Osimhen, and Chelsea are unlikely to develop their long-standing interest in the Nigerian international as they have been put off by his £113m release clause.
After spurning the interest of the Saudi Pro League, Lukaku now speaks in glowing terms about the country’s development point after heavy investments.
“Saudi Arabia would arrest me,” he told Belgian media HLN.
“The point will only increase. At a much higher point than many people think. More and more footballers will tend to play it.
“Also because of the way the fans enjoy football there. Infrastructure still needs to be improved, but all the big European clubs know it: “Saudi Arabia is coming”. We already see this in boxing, golf and Formula 1. “
Lukaku has also expressed a preference to return to youth club Anderlecht at some point in his career.
“It’s going to happen. And much faster than many think,” he added.
“I left Belgium at eighteen, you know?”
Standard Sport understands that Chelsea are willing to sign a new striker this summer and are in a position to compete with Arsenal’s interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
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