Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku's future is yet to be determined as he enters the final three months of his loan spell at AS Roma.
After a fall out with former Blues manager, Thomas Tuchel, Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on loan for a season in the summer of 2022. The Belgian international looked set for a permanent transfer back to the Nerazzuri last summer after scoring 14 goals in the 2022-23 campaign.
However, the move never materialized after Lukaku reportedly entertained offers from other clubs, negotiating a potential move to Juventus. The striker finally joined Jose Mourinho's AS Roma on a season-long loan last summer.
Lukaku has been in great form for the Serie A outfit this season, contributing 18 goals and four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions. A permanent move to Roma this summer, however, may not be financially feasible for the club, according to Romano.
The journalist reports that Chelsea are yet to disclose their plans for the Belgian forward as well. He told Caught Offside:
“It’s too early to speculate what will happen with Romelu Lukaku this summer. We still don’t know Chelsea’s plans, whether AS Roma can afford him with their Financial Fair Play strategy based on Champions League football or not…"
Romano added:
“Lukaku can only wait now and focus on helping Roma do special things in Italy and in Europe. That’s why he wanted to stay silent in TV interviews after the Europa League win over Brighton.”
Chelsea will most likely be keen to cash in on Romelu Lukaku this summer, with the Belgian's contract set to expire in 2026.
"I have to be intelligent" - Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku speaks on future after Roma's Europa League victory over Brighton
Roma locked horns with Brighton & Hove Albion in their last-16 Europa League clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday (March 7). The Italian outfit put on a dominant display and secured a 4-0 victory.
Lukaku impressed in that game, scoring once for his side in the first half, while Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini, and Bryan Cristante got on the scoresheet as well.
Speaking after the game, Lukaku was asked whether he would join Roma permanently this summer in an interview with Sky Italia, The Belgian striker replied (via Metro):
"I don’t want to cause controversy in England, I have to be intelligent about this!"
Chelsea will next face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday night (March 11).
