Transfer rumour: Chelsea to offer £65m + Loic Remy in exchange for Lukaku
According to reports, Chelsea are willing to offer £65m for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, throwing in Loic Remy to sweeten the deal. Everton, though, are said to be holding out for an additional £10m.
Chelsea who sold the Belgian striker for £28m in 2014 are eager to re-sign him and are willing to shatter the transfer record they set when they signed Fernando Torres. Lukaku is looking for a move away from Goodison, but with 3 years left on the Belgian’s contract, Everton are not prepared to settle for anything under £75m.
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Everton maintain that they have not yet received an official bid from the Blues. Lukaku joined Chelsea in 2011, but after making just 1 start he moved to Everton where he has enjoyed a number of fruitful seasons. At Everton, Lukaku has developed to become one of the top strikers in the Premier League. With 43 goals in all competitions for the Toffees, the Belgian has become one of their mainstays.
Remy, on the other hand, has enjoyed a mixed time at England. The Frenchman joined QPR from Marseille for a fee of €10 million. Remy managed 6 goals in 16 appearances but was unable to stave off relegation. He was signed by Newcastle on loan where he had a successful season, scoring 14 goals in 26 appearances. Remy was then picked up by Chelsea after they triggered his £10.5m release clause. At Chelsea, Remy has found playing time limited, mainly being used as a backup to Diego Costa
With the arrival of Lukaku’s international teammate Michy Batshuayi at Stamford Bridge, Remy has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Everton were interested in the French striker during his spell at Nice but were unwilling to make an offer and it remains to be seen whether they would entertain a swap deal.
With Lukaku eager to join the London club, reports have suggested that he could hand in a transfer request thereby forcing Everton’s hand. Lukaku’s signing could also mean the end for Diego Costa. The Spaniard had a disappointing 2015/16 season and has been linked with a return to his former football club Atletico Madrid.