According to the Telegraph, Chelsea and AS Roma have reportedly reached an agreement for Romelu Lukaku to make a season-long loan move to the Serie A club.
The deal involves Roma paying more than £5 million for the services of the Belgian striker. Lukaku has agreed to a pay cut to facilitate the transfer, with Roma covering the reduced salary.
The striker was initially expected to make his move to Inter Milan permanent, given his loan spell there and public expressions of affection for the club. However, he ultimately chose not to continue with Inter.
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Despite offers from Saudi Pro League clubs with lucrative contracts, Lukaku declined a move to the Middle East.
There were talks between the player and Inter’s Serie A rivals, Juventus, which drew disapproval from Juventus fans who displayed banners signaling their displeasure with the striker.
Romelu Lukaku, set to land in Rome on Tuesday at 5pm Italy time 🟡🔴🇧🇪
AS Roma owner Dan Friedkin will drive the private flight personally. 🛩️
Friedkin’s work on the deal was crucial to agree terms with Chelsea owners, key factor — showing AS Roma ambition. pic.twitter.com/Ty2TfeuSYX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2023
Growing impatient with his club’s negotiations, Lukaku decided to reunite with Jose Mourinho in Rome, where they had previously worked together at Chelsea and Manchester United.
To make the move to Rome happen, Lukaku agreed to a substantial reduction in his salary. He will earn slightly over £6 million in Italy and has also consented to lower his Chelsea salary upon his return from the season-long loan.
Mourinho will finally have the three top striking options he has been requesting from the board since the beginning of the transfer window.
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The Portuguese manager publicly expressed his need for a center-forward and voiced his displeasure with the board’s delayed signings. This frustration grew, particularly after Tammy Abraham’s long-term injury and missing out on various transfer targets.
In response to his demands, the board has now provided him with Sardar Azmoun and Lukaku, who will join Andrea Belotti for the upcoming season.
Regarding Chelsea’s perspective, Lukaku’s actions led them to accept only a loan deal, but they are happy to have moved the striker and his high wages off their payroll.
