Romelu Lukaku is closing in on desired loan move to Rome, which will see the striker reunite with his former boss Jose Mourinho, reports say.
First round of talks between AS Roma and Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku, just finished. 🟡🔴🇧🇪 #ASRoma
Roma submitted initial important bid with loan fee, salary coverage now also being discussed.
Negotiations continue in London with owners directly involved. pic.twitter.com/WwYapRBFLk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2023
Chelsea have tried to offload the Belgian throughout the whole summer, but failed due to variety of reasons.
The 30-year-old has been in talks with numerous clubs as he doesn’t feature in new boss Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
According to the reports, the Blues have made a demand of a loan fee in the region between £8million and £10m. On top of that, the striker must lower his wage demands as the team is not willing to pay a percentage of his £325,000-per-week wages.
The Blues have been left with limited options as Lukaku has refused to join Juventus, Inter Milan or clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea had been insisting on a sale for the Belgian but are willing to accept another loan with a substantial fee as Roma are unlikely to be able to afford a buy option or his wages.
The striker himself announced he is flying to Rome tomorrow in order to complete the move.