Romelu Lukaku would like to stay with Roma and the club are keen to keep the striker, but two conditions must be met to facilitate a deal with Chelsea.
The 30-year-old Belgian forward has been one of the few Giallorossi players not to directly benefit from the switch from Jose Mourinho to Daniele De Rossi, managing just three goals across Serie A and the Europa League since the former midfielder’s appointment back in January.
Despite his drop in form, Lukaku is still keen to move forward with Roma for next season, having enjoyed his time in the Italian capital. His contract with Chelsea expires in 2026, but he has no intention of wearing the Blues shirt later this year.
Lukaku conditions
Page 16 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport details how Roma have not lost faith in Lukaku and believe the Belgian striker will be a key weapon in their fight with Bologna for a fourth-place finish. Once the season concludes, attention will turn to talks with Chelsea.
There are two key factors needed for the Giallorossi to retain the 30-year-old; the first is securing Champions League qualification and the second is that the Blues agree to a new loan deal.
Roma cannot afford to purchase Lukaku from Chelsea outright as a definitive transfer would cost at least €43m and a three-year contract at €7.5m net per season would see the total costs rise to over €80m total.