AS Roma signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on loan in the last summer transfer window.
There, Romelu Lukaku has impressed, scoring 18 goals in 36 appearances. Ideally, then, Roma would probably like to keep hold of the striker.
However, Telegraph journalist Matt Law has told the London Is Blue podcast that the Italian club will struggle to pay his £37m price tag unless they qualify for the Champions League.
With Lukaku remaining at the Stadio Olimpico being far from a guarantee, Law says Saudi interest in the Belgian is something to keep an eye on.
It has been reported, though, that Lukaku’s family are keen for him to stay in the Italian capital.
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Roma could struggle to sign Romelu Lukaku permanently
Without Champions League football or large investment, Law does not think Roma will be able to afford Lukaku.
On the 30-year-old, he said: “Lukaku has a £37m release in his contract that was amended before the Roma [move]. Now I think Lukaku and Saudi is definitely worth watching because unless Roma qualifies for [the] Champions League or there’s some big investment into Roma, I think Roma will really struggle with the fee on top of the wages.
“So I think Chelsea are probably trying to get their ducks in order with Saudi options for Romelu in case Roma can’t, but they will really be trying to sell him permanently this summer.”
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Romelu Lukaku still likely to leave Chelsea in the summer
Even if Roma cannot retain Lukaku, he will still be expected to leave Stamford Bridge again, and perhaps this time permanently.
Spending this season and the last one out on loan, the former Inter Milan star’s future is clearly not in west London.
He does not want to be there, while Chelsea now have Nicolas Jackson and could sign another striker in the transfer window. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen continues to be heavily linked with a move to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
There is no guarantee that they will sign him or another centre-forward for that matter. In that case, it would be helpful if Lukaku stuck around. However, it is quite clear that that will not be happening.
