Transfer Rumour: Romelu Lukaku to replace Manchester United-bound Edinson Cavani at PSG
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are currently looking at Everton striker Romelu Lukaku as a replacement for Edinson Cavani, who has been linked with a big-money move to Premier League giants Manchester United, according to reports.
PSG are keen to test the resolve of Ronald Koeman who had earlier commented that Lukaku will stay at Everton amidst rumours linking him to some top European clubs including Juventus and Bayern Munich.
The French giants are big fans of the Belgium international, 23, who has hit nine league goals this season including a hattrick. Lukaku has been coy on PSG’s interest so far stating, “A lot of people come to the stadium to watch me. Mino [Raiola -- his agent] never tells me anything. As long as there is nothing, black and white and on paper, he will not bother me with it and I respect that. That is his way of working. I know they [interested clubs] are there though."
The former Chelsea man has a contract that runs until the summer of 2019 but the longer a new contract goes unsigned, speculation will continue over Lukaku's future especially when PSG’s main striker Edinson Cavani is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
Mino Raiola, Lukaku’s agent, had also commented on his client’s situation earlier this year. “This year the message was clear he was not for sale and he is really happy there at the moment. We are happy with what the club is doing now, we will see how the season goes,” he stated.
“There was talk of Juventus but no-one can afford him in Italy. Outside of England, realistically the only clubs that can afford him are PSG, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid,” Raiola added.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman had also earlier praised Lukaku for his contributions to the club ever since joining the Toffees back in 2014. “Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career. He has the potential to play for a bigger club than Everton, but nobody knows what will happen after this season.”
Playing for an Everton side that is not in the continental competition this season, Lukaku could be of particular interest to PSG as he would not be cup-tied for the Champions League. Lukaku will be looking to add to his goal scoring tally when his side take on Arsenal tonight at Goodison Park.