Looks like Romelu Lukaku will be playing at Chelsea this season after claiming that “at the moment” he would not consider a loan move.
Lukaku, signed by Chelsea from Belgian side Anderlecht in August 2011, spent the 2012-13 Premier League season at West Bromwich Albion. It was at The Hawthorns where the Belgian striker developed into one of the Premier League’s most dominant strikers, scoring 17 goals and notching 4 assists in 35 contests.
Despite the prolific form, question marks have surrounded Lukaku’s chances of leading the line at Stamford Bridge. Some feel the 20 year old would be better served by another year of development at a mid-range club where Lukaku can be the focal point of the attack. Others believe he’s ready to assume that very role for Chelsea right now.
Following his landmark season, Lukaku spoke modestly of his potential to play for Chelsea this coming August. “I am a realist,” he said. “I still need to grow and for that I need to have time to play during the next season.”
A few weeks later, he upped his confidence, noting he was “determined to succeed with Chelsea next season” and that he “want[ed] to prove [him]self.”
And now, by revealing that he won’t consider a loan move in the upcoming season, Lukaku has taken the next step in securing the striker role at Chelsea. It’s a role that he recently discussed with Blues manager Jose Mourinho.
“Yeah we spoke and I want to keep it private because when you have confidential talks with the manager, it has to stay between you and him,” Lukaku told Sky Sports News. “We had a good talk and now it’s up to me.”
For now, Lukaku’s competition up top consists of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba. And while many believe the Belgian striker deserves the nod ahead of both Torres and Ba, things could get quite complicated if Mourinho decides to act on the transfer speculation linking the Blue in a move for Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney.