Roma do not have an option to sign Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis from Chelsea but know he will cost €46m at least.
That’s according to TuttoMercatoWeb, who cover the striker today who say a summer full of negotiations is on the way again for the Belgian.
They explain that while Lukaku is currently on loan at Roma and they’d like to keep him permanently, they have no option in that deal to do so.
Chelsea want to avoid making a capital loss on the striker, who cost them €115m in 2021, and to do so they would need to recoup at least €46m from a sale (while some other reports state €43m).
They need to find a club that will pay that and pay for his contract, which is worth over €10m net per year. That’s difficult to do given his age, he’s now 31-years-old, but they’ve ruled out a new loan, nonetheless.
A recent report made it clear they’re hoping that a club from Saudi Arabia will come calling and stump up the money they require but Lukaku would prefer to remain in Europe and with Roma.
He’s open to a move to Saudi, having previously rejected it, but would prefer to stay in Rome if he can having enjoyed his year there so far.
The question is whether they can afford him. TMW argue that while those in charge have the money, the reality is that it would be a ‘very difficult operation’ for the Italian club to get done.
They need fresh negotiations with Chelsea to try and work something out that suits all parties and makes another exit from Stamford Bridge possible for Lukaku this summer.
