Romelu Lukaku’s agent admits there is ‘a problem’ for his client at Chelsea but ensures talks with Inter or Milan have not begun yet: ‘We have to wait.’
The Belgium international returned to Stamford Bridge in a €113m deal last summer. However, his third spell at the club wasn’t as fruitful as he expected, as he has only scored 15 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.
“Given the transfer parameters, nobody could expect this situation,” Pastorello told La Repubblica newspaper.
“I won’t discuss technical choices, but it’s clear that there is a problem. However, figures must be put into context. He is the best scorer in the team despite getting less playing time than his teammates. Now we must defend a Champions League spot and play the FA Cup Final. That’s the only thing Romelu is focused on, we haven’t talked about anything else.”
There have been reports of a possible return to Inter. Is it a possible scenario for 2022-23?
“Lot of noise for nothing. The club [Inter] and fans are in his heart,” the agent confirmed.
“He has never hidden that and has never hidden the love for Anderlecht were he’d like to end his career. However, we can’t speculate on negotiations. Chelsea’s owner has changed, we don’t know the interlocutors, let alone we can imagine talks with Inter or Milan. We have to wait.”
Pastorello is also the agent of several Italy and Serie A stars, including Francesco Acerbi, Federico Bernardeschi, Arthur and Alex Meret. The 48-year-old provided updates on all of them.
“The situation has been difficult for a long time,” he said about Lazio defender Acerbi.
“He was one of the cornerstones, now even his private life has been questioned. He is a great professional who takes care of his body to be always at his best. The goal against Spezia was not casual. We’ll talk with the club at the end of the season, it could be complicated to continue working with this situation.”
Lazio fans have criticised the former Milan and Sassuolo defender for his supposed lack of commitment and the situation became even nastier after he was seen smiling after a late Milan goal against the Biancocelesti. However, the 34-year-old made up for it the following week, by scoring a late winner against Spezia.
Bernardeschi sees his contract expire at the end of the season, while Arthur has never been a regular starter under Max Allegri this season.
“I’ve never had the feeling that Federico would not be confirmed. The dialogue with Juventus is open,” said Pastorello.
“His priority is to stay at Juventus, but at the same time, he must keep the door open for alternatives which are there. He doesn’t see himself joining a club that it’s not a top one.
“Arthur was close to leaving in January and joining Arsenal. He is too important to be left on the sidelines and he must also think about the national team. He was signed with a different coach. With Sarri, he would have played like Jorginho, but Allegri wants two central midfielders who are physically strong. They respect each other, but these are technical choices which I don’t want to discuss. However, it’s in nobody’s interest to continue like this.”
Meret is in talks with Napoli over a new deal, but his agent reveals he hasn’t yet accepted it.
“I am sure Alex will become one of the top four-five goalkeepers in the world.
“We haven’t accepted a contract extension because we want clarity. We have a principle of agreement, but the club must gamble on him or we’ll look for something different. He wouldn’t have made that error against Empoli had he played consistently.
“He has paid for the dualism with David Ospina. Gigio Donnarumma is living in a similar situation, and consistency is too important for them.”
The Italy international was one of the many star clients of Mino Raiola, what was Pastorello’s rapport with him?
“There was competition between us, but it was a professional motivation as well. He took a couple of my players, and I got some of his’. It was sad news. He has embodied the essence of football agents, he broke the mould, also for his look. He’ll be missed.”
Pastorello: "Sarà il mercato dei centravanti. Lukaku? Un problema, ma lo risolveremo" https://t.co/I5HLEd1Z8C (scopri la app) #RepSelezione
— Repubblica (@repubblica) May 13, 2022
All of his clients is bunch of failures
You kidding me? Love for Inter in a row with Chelsea from that interview restored and now the option is Inter OR MILAN? What a joker not even realising he is one.
Stop it with this Lukaku to Milan nonsense. This is not happening.
Maybe Lukaku impresses a lot of soccer pundits. But I don’t want him with AC Milan even for free. The day when we bought old names should happily be over.