Romelu Lukaku reportedly wants to continue his career at Roma beyond the current season, as discussions could begin with Chelsea.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea and Roma could begin discussions over the transfer fee required to sign Romelu Lukaku permanently. The Blues are eager to get rid of their costly investment as the Italians will look for a reduced price point that suits their pockets, as the Belgian wants a stay in Rome.
Romelu Lukaku wants Roma stay
AS Roma were fortunate to have benefited from the Romelu Lukaku saga last year between Inter Milan and Juventus. The two sides tussled for the striker, with Jose Mourinho convincing the club to sign the 30-year-old Chelsea player on a loan deal.
The move has benefitted Roma as Lukaku has hit 17 goals across all competitions and looks like their central striker this season. Lukaku is due for a return to Chelsea once the season concludes, although he wishes to stay with Roma beyond the summer. He reportedly wants to sign for the club permanently, which could trigger a dialogue between Roma and Chelsea over the transfer fee.
For their part, Roma will not want to pay an excessive amount, with Chelsea demanding somewhere close to €40 million last summer. There are expectations they might reduce that asking price, but not by much, as the Blues are eager to recoup as much as possible on their €100 million-plus investment in the Belgian striker, as they are destined to sell him and a few others in the summer.
Reports stated the two clubs had an agreement for Lukaku, although those might have been rumours. Between now and the end of the season, fresh discussions could take place to find an agreement, as Chelsea may explore other avenues that would suit them financially.
Where else can Lukaku go?
Roma remains an option, and as per the report, they are Lukaku’s preferred destination. A permanent move there would mean taking a massive pay cut on his current Chelsea salary and forgoing the potential to earn well in the two years remaining on his Blues contract.
Saudi Arabia remains an option, with Al-Hilal reportedly willing to make a €30-million-a-year offer for the Belgian. Lukaku’s current mood states he wishes to continue at the top level of European football, but things could rapidly change once he explores his other avenues.
