By Tom Gott
Roma are not expected to pursue a permanent transfer for Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku this year, a report has revealed.
After a tumultuous summer which saw Lukaku burn bridges with both Inter and Juventus, the Belgian joined Roma on a 12-month loan which does not include the option for a permanent transfer.
With 18 goals in 41 games across all competitions, Lukaku has enjoyed a solid campaing but La Gazzetta dello Sport state that he will be sent back to Chelsea over concerns about his price tag.
Chelsea have an agreement with Lukaku's entourage to sell him for £37m this summer, but Roma do not want to pay so much for a player whose immense wage demands will likely double the cost of any permanent deal.
Lukaku wants to stay with Roma and hopes to change their mind with some impressive performances between now and the end of the season.
Lukaku, who turns 31 in May, will have two years remaining on his Chelsea contract this summer and, barring a shocking turn of events, will look to part ways with the Belgian and bring the nightmare of his Blues reunion to an end.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia were interested in Lukaku last summer and are expected to reignite their interest once again this year, particularly after the striker publicly admitted he would be interested in joining the league back in January.
Selling Lukaku would be a huge boost to Chelsea's attempts to navigate Profit & Sustainability Rules, while it would also aid the search for a new striker.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen is an expensive target - his release clause is worth over £100m - but RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, whose own exit clause is less than half that figure, is seen as a possible alternative.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Roma 'make decision' on permanent Romelu Lukaku transfer.
