Mauricio Pochettino was asked about the impending loan signing of Romelu Lukaku, ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday evening, but did not shed more light on the deal.
Romelu Lukaku loan deal
Lukaku looks ready to try another stint in Italy, as Serie A giants Roma, led by Jose Mourinho, have offered the Belgian striker a lifeline away from Stamford Bridge. If the move does go ahead, it will be a season-long loan, which will cost £8m but largely be covered by the player’s wages.
With the Belgian international very much on the outside of Pochettino’s plans and a case of trying to free up some of the huge wage bills, the forward needs to find a new team urgently. Inter Milan was hopeful of gaining his services, but after being dropped from the starting lineup in the Champions League final, Lukaku was put off of a return.
"Pochettino: “I am not involved in these situations. I cannot tell you anything. It’s the same situation. When something is done, the club communicates to you.” The tight-lipped Chelsea boss said on the matter. [Source]"
Roma are trying to build something big and see the striker as a perfect fit, especially as they have lost the services of Tammy Abraham, also a former Chelsea player, as he is still recovering from surgery after a torn ACL at the end of last season.
Making progress
The Chelsea manager was also keen to stress how he is moving along with his new team.
"“The club is doing a fantastic job. We are a business. I’m sure the plan was to do a lot of business and change the project. That is why the club is working so hard to deliver it but it’s never easy to do everything in one month. Until the end, we try to do things to improve the squad. I am really happy with the squad I have at the moment. We can improve certain positions, of course. If not, I am very happy with where we are right now.”"