Journo reveals Chelsea have no plans of loaning out controversial figure; want permanent exit

Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea won’t loan Romelu Lukaku out this time with forward also hoping to return back to Anderlecht

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have already made their plans clear and want to sell Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku in the summer rather than loaning him out again. The forward will return to the club after a season-long loan spell at AS Roma, where he recorded 21 goals across all competitions.

Whichever clubs are keen on signing the 31-year-old they will have to pay £38 million for the striker, as the club will try to recoup half of what they spent during his signing in 2021. Napoli are keen on signing as they set to announce the appointment of Antonio Conte.

Lukaku will be keen on working again under Conte after both led Inter Milan to Scudetto in 2020, where Lukaku enjoyed his best season before the Blues made a big money move for him. The striker has also spoken about his future and is open to moving to his boyhood club. Speaking to RTL Sports, via Daily Mail: he said:

🔵🇧🇪 Chelsea insist they have no plans to loan out Romelu Lukaku as things stand.#CFC are aware of Napoli interest with Antonio Conte as new head coach, as initial approaches already took place.

£38m exit clause available for any club interested in Lukaku this summer. pic.twitter.com/gM0uCrXJ6y

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2024

”Of course. That [a return to Anderlecht] will happen. That will happen, I think, much sooner than people think.’’

Lukaku is 31 and still has some years left to play at the elite level. Top-level clubs are also interested in signing him, and Chelsea might be least interested in where he plays next season as long as they are getting a good profit from his exit. The Blues have slapped £38 million on the striker, and now it remains to be seen which side will be open to meeting the price.

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It will also help the club get his £325,000 per week off the books and free up space, which will allow them to sign a new striker next season. In his last campaign, Belgium has done enough to convince any club that he is still a top striker and will be a valuable asset for them as long as he doesn’t create any situation as he did at Chelsea and Inter Milan.