Chelsea ready to sell star for €45 million with interest from Saudi Pro League - Reports
Ben Jacobs has issued an update on Romelu Lukaku's situation at Chelsea. The journalist claimed that there is interest in the striker from the Saudi Pro League, with a move to Italy also possible.
While there is not an official release clause, the club and the player's representatives have reportedly agreed that he will leave should an offer of €45 million arrive. Al-Hilal were close to signing him last summer, but the Belgian striker wanted to continue in Italy.
Jacobs said (via @Blue_Footy on X):
"Chelsea want €45m (£38m) for Romelu Lukaku. Their position hasn't changed since last summer. Al-Hilal had a bid for this amount accepted, but Lukaku wanted to stay in Italy."
"There is no formal release clause, but there is a verbal agreement between Chelsea and Lukaku that he will be sold if someone tables a bid for this amount."
It has been a tumultuous second stint at Chelsea for Lukaku. After joining the club in 2011 from Anderlecht, he left and became a star in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Everton. Following stints at Manchester United and Inter Milan, he made a massive £100 million return to Stamford Bridge.
After some initial promise, the relationship between player and club soured in his first season. He ended up spending the 2022-23 season back on loan with the Nerazzurri and went back on loan to AS Roma for 2023-24. He has made 47 appearances across all competitions for the Giallorossi, scoring 21 goals and getting four assists.
The emergence of Nicolas Jackson as a solid option leading the line (14 Premier League goals) along with links to Victor Osimhen means Lukaku's future with the Blues is likely over.
Aston Villa to offer striker in swap deal for Chelsea midfielder
Aston Villa are preparing to offer forward Jhon Duran as part of a swap deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. According to football.london, the Villans are keen on bringing the 24-year-old to Villa Park and are willing to part with the Colombian.
The Blues had already expressed an interest in signing the forward in the January transfer window, but a deal was not reached. He has been impressive in a limited capacity for the Birmingham side, scoring five goals in just three starts and 463 minutes of action in the league.
Gallagher has just a year left on his deal with Chelsea and with no extension in sight, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed an interest in signing him. Selling the midfielder would represent pure profit as part of the Profit and Sustainability Rules for the Blues, helping them balance some of their massive spending.