Roma will have their fingers crossed that striker Romelu Lukaku can continue his goalscoring heroics this weekend when they face Udinese after the latest international break.
In his first three months with the club, the 30 year-old has been nothing short of phenomenal following his move late in the summer from Chelsea. Thus far he’s collected 9 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions—tasked with carrying the attacking load in recent weeks due to Paulo Dybala‘s recent injury layoff.
Unsurprisingly, many Giallorossi supporters have called on the club to open transfer discussions with the Blues in a bid to keep Lukaku at the club permanently.
Lukaku’s Turbulent Summer
The Belgian’s sensational start to his time in the Italian capital has led many to forget about the turbulent summer he endured not long after losing in the Champions League final with Inter against Manchester City.
Most believed the Nerazzurri would do all they could to reach an agreement with Chelsea to keep Lukaku at the club permanently after he rejoined them in the summer of 2022 on loan. However, to the surprise of many, Lukaku turned down the chance to remain with Simone Inzaghi’s side before subsequently turning down an approach from Juventus.
With the remaining days and hours in the summer transfer window waning, Roma quickly pounced on the chance to sign the Belgian. The Giallorossi and the Blues agreed to a one-year loan deal for the Belgian, however, no option to make the deal permanent was included.
The Waiting Game
Despite supporters calling for Roma to sign Lukaku permanent, the club are in “standby” mode. There’s no doubt their preference is to keep the striker at the club beyond this season, but first they need to resolve the futures of Jose Mourinho and transfer chief Tiago Pinto, whose contracts expire in June.
Should both agree to remain with the club, it seems all but certain the pair will open discussions with Chelsea and attempt to seal a permanent transfer deal for Lukaku. It will be interesting to see how the situation develop and how sites such as Vulkan Bet online betting respond if Roma can keep the Belgian beyond this season.
