Romelu Lukaku’s future is still in the balance after being dropped down to Chelsea’s Under 21s squad – while the forward still has not spoken to Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea could be forced to alter Romelu Lukaku’s asking price as options for a permanent transfer narrow down.
The 30-year-old has been exiled in the club’s Under 21s alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi and Malang Sarr as the forward continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. Lukaku returned to west London earlier this summer after spending last season on loan at Inter Milan.
However, a third return to San Siro collapsed in July after learning about Juventus’ simultaneous negotiations. The Old Lady are prepared to pay £35million for Lukaku, but their bid is conditional on ensuring they can offload Serbia international Dusan Vlahovic to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who would accept Juventus’ offer for Lukaku, have refused to take Vlahovic due to being on high wages and his concerning injury record. This has left the Blues relying on someone else signing Vlahovic, before Juventus make a move for Lukaku.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, have also pulled out of the race for Lukaku after signing Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham for £46m. A move to Saudi Arabia is now looking increasingly unlikely, leaving Lukaku stranded at Cobham with less than 10 days to go until the transfer window slams shut.
According to the Evening Standard, Lukaku has also not spoken to Mauricio Pochettino over his future. The Chelsea boss was initially open to working with the ex-Manchester United striker, but the Belgian has little interest about continuing his career in west.
Chelsea will only accept a permanent offer, with all loan interest having been refused outright. However, it is understood the Blues could be forced to lower their £35m valuation of the striker, or accept loan offers to get rid of Lukaku, who joined Chelsea from Inter for £97.5m in 2021.
But the Blues do face the issue of running out of loan spots, with new rules ensuring that clubs are limited to five oversees loans. Chelsea have just two remaining, having allowed David Datro Fofana, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Hakim Ziyech to leave. They are planning to use up another spot signing Deivid Washington from Santos for £17m, with the 18-year-old set to join Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
As for on the pitch, Chelsea have made a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening two matches. They began with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, before suffering a damning 3-1 defeat at 10-man West Ham on Sunday.
Pochettino’s side return to action when they face newly-promoted Luton at Stamford Bridge on Friday. The Blues then take on Nottingham Forest in their final match before the international break.
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