Chelsea have just asked £35m player to take a huge pay cut, he feels nervous

Chelsea have just asked Romelu Lukaku to take a significant pay cut as the Blues attempt to loan him out to Roma.

 

That is according to the Evening Standard.

 

So, what is the latest on Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

Chelsea and Roma are currently discussing a loan move for Lukaku, although the 30-year-old must sacrifice a lot of money to help the deal go through.

 

The Evening Standard believe Chelsea and Roma are asking the Belgium international to take a £7m pay cut on his £17m-a-year salary.

 

Roma cannot afford to pay Lukaku’s current £325,000-a-week wages in full, and Chelsea are unwilling to contribute after being messed around by the striker.

The Evening Standard add that Roma are only willing to pay £7m for the Antwerp-born forward’s loan.

 

Chelsea have placed a £35m asking price on his head for any permanent transfer.

 

Aside from the potential loan, Chelsea want Lukaku to take the pay cut regardless, even when he returns from any temporary move.

 

His terms run until June 2026, and the Blues do not want to pay his extortionate salary in full for that entire duration.

Lukaku has already spoken about his potential move to Roma. The Evening Standard quote him as saying: “I am nervous. Tomorrow I am flying to Rome.”

 

Lukaku deal must act as a lesson for Chelsea

Make no mistake about it, Lukaku has made errors which have contributed to this situation, such as that ridiculous interview where he revealed his desire to rejoin Inter Milan one day, just weeks after making a £97.5m return to Chelsea.

 

However, the Blues are also not blameless here.

 

Chelsea have contractually agreed to pay Lukaku this eye-watering salary until June 2026, and while he has not pulled his weight in west London, a contract is a contract.

In our view, Chelsea should look to avoid a similar incident happening in future by heavily incentivising their striker’s contracts through goal bonuses or other clauses.

 

That way, players like Lukaku who prefer to cause issues will not be rewarded for their poor attitude if they fail to deliver.