Chelsea is currently facing the imperative of selling Romelu Lukaku during the upcoming summer transfer window in order to generate necessary funds. Should AS Roma opt against exercising their purchase option, the club will promptly seek alternative suitors for the player.
According to a report by Telegraph Sport, Chelsea finds itself under pressure to generate £100 million in revenue by June 30 to adhere to the financial regulations outlined by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
While the club expresses confidence in meeting this financial target, such assurance is contingent upon the assumption of Lukaku’s sale achieving the targeted £37 million valuation.
There exists a significant conjecture surrounding Lukaku’s potential destinations if AS Roma declines to secure his services, notably suggesting a move to Saudi Arabia, a proposition he unequivocally rejected last summer.
Considering the protracted nature of Lukaku’s transfer saga, which extended until the brink of the previous deadline, it appears optimistic to anticipate a swift resolution this time around.
Lukaku, who commanded a substantial €113 million transfer fee upon his acquisition from Inter Milan in the summer of 2021, struggled to replicate his prior form at Stamford Bridge. Within a few months, he openly expressed regret over his decision to join Chelsea.
Since then, Lukaku has been steadfast in his desire to return to Serie A, initially on loan at Inter Milan and subsequently joining AS Roma this season for a fee of €5.8 million.
Although reports suggest the presence of an agreed upon option to purchase at the conclusion of the loan term for €40 million, the financial constraints facing AS Roma may impede their ability to exercise this option, rendering the permanency of Lukaku’s stay uncertain.