Chelsea, Roma ‘wish’ to ‘totally agree’ transfer ‘today’ as manager ‘pushes a lot’ to sign £98m flop

Romelu Lukaku’s loan transfer from Chelsea to AS Roma could be concluded on Monday after talks between both clubs, according to reports.

The Belgian international re-joined Chelsea from Inter for around £98million two years ago, scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions in 2021/22.

After a disappointing campaign off and on the pitch for Lukaku, who publicly criticised Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and practically begged to return to Inter, the 30-year-old got his wish, joining the Nerazzurri on loan for 22/23.

The Italian giants were expected to sign Lukaku on a permanent basis this summer but reportedly pulled out of a deal when they discovered he was also talking to Juventus.

The Old Lady have been insisting on a swap deal involving Dusan Vlahovic, which the Blues are not interested in, leaving the former Manchester United and Everton striker in limbo.

There has been interest from Saudi Arabia and it looked like Lukaku would have no choice but to move there with no other permanent transfer offer on the table.

However, Chelsea have now changed their stance and are willing to let the Belgian leave on loan, as long as they receive a fee and have the player’s salary 100 per cent covered.

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This has called Roma in to action, with Jose Mourinho now ‘pushing a lot’ to get Lukaku through the door on a season-long loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

As he does with any story involving a Chelsea player, Romano has kept us all up to date with what is going on.

Romano said last Friday that there had been ‘contact’ between Chelsea and Roma for the first time.

On Sunday it was reported that Roma have offered a loan fee ‘in excess of €5m’ with Mourinho ‘pushing a lot’ as the Serie A outfit ‘negotiate with Lukaku’s camp to reach an agreement on salary coverage/pay cut’.

There now appears to be a willingness to get the deal done by the end of Monday.

Writing on Twitter in the early hours of Monday morning, Romano – who never sleeps – said: ‘AS Roma want Romelu Lukaku deal to be done by today.

‘Negotiations took place also on Sunday night with Chelsea and player side after €5m loan fee proposal. Roma are really pushing to get it sealed.

‘No mandatory buy clause included in the deal.’

Romano is not the only journalist to say Roma want to complete the signing before Tuesday.

Foot Mercato correspondent Santi Aouna wrote on Twitter: ‘Romelu Lukaku today in London to finalise the player’s agreements on the loan deal of the Belgian with AS Roma.

‘All parties involved wishes for an total agreement this afternoon.’

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