Why Chelsea’s transfer ambitions are in Mourinho’s hands
Robin Bairner
- 28 Oct 2023 12:28 BST
- 3 min read
Jose Mourinho holds a controlling stake in Chelsea’s transfer aspirations for the next two windows, according to a report from Italy.
Calciomercato reports that Roma are interested in signing Romelu Lukaku from the Blues for €42 million, yet such a deal relies on Mourinho playing ball on multiple fronts.
Chelsea, of course, would be happy to offload Lukaku, whose return to Stamford Bridge in 2021 for €113m has not gone at all to plan.
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Loaned out to Inter last summer, the Blues tried to sell him to the Saudi Pro League this time around only for Lukaku to refuse on the basis that he wants to continue in Europe.
There were discussions with Inter and Juventus, but these broke down acrimoniously, with the 30-year-old centre forward having burned his bridges with the San Siro side.
Roma ultimately took Lukaku off Chelsea’s hands at the eleventh hour via loan and Mourinho’s men are eager to make the deal permanent.
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Although Lukaku is said to be reticent about the deal, he would continue if Mourinho remains at the club.
The Portuguese’s future is, meanwhile, in doubt. He is under contract with Roma until 2024 but has shown no indication that he will sign a new deal. Worse, the club endured a rough start to the season, and while they are on a run of five successive wins, another slump in form would make the former Chelsea boss’ position vulnerable.
Why this matters to Chelsea
Lukaku is key for Chelsea in the transfer market because of his valuation and the money he could free up if sold.
Financial Fair Play (FFP) is weighing heavily on the Stamford Bridge club, who retain significant ambitions in the transfer market. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, for example, is a target but will cost over €100m – a figure that looks unattainable without sales.
Lukaku’s €42m price tag would go a long way to solving several issues, but it appears that this transfer is in the hands of the notoriously volatile Mourinho. Good luck, Blues!
