Chelsea Football Club has reportedly turned down a loan offer from Juventus for their star striker Romelu Lukaku, according to recent reports.
The English club, instead, has set a price for the permanent transfer of the player, signaling a firm stance on his departure.
Lukaku, aged 30, spent the last season on loan at Inter Milan, where he impressed with his performances, scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances and helping the team reach the Champions League final.
However, Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has decided not to reintegrate him into the squad for the upcoming season.
The Belgian forward has expressed his desire to return to Italy, and Juventus saw an opportunity to secure his services on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.
The proposed deal also included an option for Juventus to purchase Lukaku permanently at the end of the season. Nevertheless, Chelsea declined the offer, reiterating their intention to sell Lukaku outright.
Chelsea values Lukaku at £34 million, and the club is unwilling to negotiate on that figure. This price tag has deterred potential suitors, as Inter Milan also had two bids rejected in their attempt to bring the striker back to Italy.
While the rejection seemed final, there might still be hope for Juventus and Lukaku. Speculation suggests they could wait and hope Chelsea eventually relents as the transfer window progresses.
Such a strategy, however, could carry its own risks, as the 30-year-old forward’s options might dwindle as the window nears its conclusion.
Lukaku’s future at Chelsea was discussed with Pochettino at the start of the pre-season, resulting in an agreement that he would not be part of the team’s plans for the upcoming season. Consequently, Lukaku was not included in the squad for Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the USA.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future, Lukaku’s talent and track record have made him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking attacking reinforcements.
Juventus, in particular, remains keen on acquiring his services, as they view him as an excellent addition to their roster.