Chelsea will not loan out Romelu Lukaku again and have ended their interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in their search for a new striker.
…Chelsea not willing to loan Lukaku again
…Spent 2023-24 with Roma
…Do not want Osimhen
WHAT HAPPENED?
Per BBC Sport, Chelsea are unwilling to loan Lukaku out again as they approach the summer transfer window. The Belgium international has spent the previous two seasons away from the club, first with Inter, and then with Roma, but the club are determined to recoup at least some of the staggering £98 million ($125m) fee they paid to sign the striker from Inter in 2021.
There had been some suggestion that he could move to Napoli, potentially in a swap with Osimhen, but the Blues are said to have ended their interest in the Nigeria striker.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea are reported to have placed an asking price of £37m ($47m) on the forward, who earns around £325,000-per-week ($416,000) at Stamford Bridge and there is said to be interest from Milan and Napoli. Lukaku has even hinted at the potential of returning to Anderlecht in Belgium, although it is unclear how that deal would be funded.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 31-year-old made just 26 Premier League appearances for Chelsea during his second spell at the club and was limited to a mere eight goals. He has a contract until 2026 with the west London giants.
Osimhen had been seen as a potential replacement, but it now appears that the Blues will not be formalising their interest in the Serie A ace, who has underwhelmed somewhat this season.
WHAT NEXT?
Lukaku will return to Chelsea but it appears his time with the club is limited even with the appointment of new manager Enzo Maresca. It is unclear if bids will be forthcoming, however.
Goal.com
