Romelu Lukaku vows to live up to £97.5m transfer fee at Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku has vowed to live up to his £97.5m fee after seeing his dream of returning to Chelsea come true.
The Belgium striker has unfinished business at Chelsea after leaving them for Everton seven years ago and is determined to help Thomas Tuchel’s side to challenge for the Premier League title. Lukaku played a key role in Internazionale winning Serie A last season and is raring to go before facing Arsenal on Sunday.
“The dream is a reality now so I have to prove myself on the pitch,” the 28year-old said. “Now I’m here it’s time to get to work and let my performances do the talking. This is a dressing room with personality and I am glad to be back. As a footballer, you fight to achieve your dreams. I am here now and I can’t wait to be on the pitch and perform with my teammates.”
Lukaku, who has taken the No 9 shirt after Tammy Abraham’s £34m move to Roma, honed his game during his two years under Antonio Conte at Inter. “Maturity has been important,” the former Manchester United forward said. “I think I’ve learned much more about myself, setting higher standards for myself.
“As a player, it’s been about becoming more complete as the game in Italy is more different. The spaces are tighter, it’s more technical and tactical, and that helped me a lot. The English game is different but for me it’s not something new.”
Lukaku revealed he has had both of his Covid-19 vaccinations. “I’m double vaccinated. For me it’s different because I have a few family members that are high risk. I think as a player, it’s up to you to make the decision. The only thing we can do is be careful around the general population because we have a lot of responsibilities. I did it because my family are high risk.”
Lukaku believes that winning the Champions League last season shows Chelsea are mature enough to compete for the title. “[César] Azpilicueta is the captain and he has been here for many years as a great captain,” he said. “When I was in quarantine he was already messaging me, helping me to find a house.
“He is a leader and there’s many other players with a big personality in the dressing room. I am a player that likes to connect with people and make them feel comfortable to give them confidence. The players we have are worth it and they showed that last season.”
Chelsea have sent Michy Batshuayi to Besiktas on a season-long loan. The striker has extended his contract until 2023. The London club are close to sending Emerson Palmieri on a seasonlong loan to Lyon. The Italy left-back is out of favour under Tuchel and is expected to undergo a medical before joining the Ligue 1 club.
Tuchel is keen to trim his squad and has told Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater, Timoue Bakayoko and Davide Zappacosta that they can leave. Milan want Bakayoko on loan, while Zappacosta has been targeted by Atalanta and Fiorentina. The Brazilian winger Kenedy has joined Flamengo on loan.
Kurt Zouma remains in talks with West Ham, who want to sign the centreback for £25m. Chelsea are prepared to allow Zouma to leave before going ahead with their move for Sevilla’s Jules Koundé, although West Ham are struggling to meet the Frenchman’s wage demands.
Marseille are looking to hijack Genk’s move for the Chelsea forward, Ike Ugbo. Genk were poised to sign Ugbo for €4m and the 22-year-old was set to have a medical with the Belgian club on Tuesday, but Marseille have now emerged as favourites to land the youngster.