On the move: Everton’s Romelu Lukaku

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Currently on international duty with Belgium, Romelu Lukaku’s rise to prominence has been far from simple. Since joining Chelsea as a teenager from Anderlecht, the striker has played for The Blues, West Brom and is currently at Everton. Having not made the cut at Stamford Bridge, Lukaku showed his need for game time by twice forcing a loan move, before finally sealing a permanent move away from the club.

Last season was one of disappointment as a whole for Everton, who finished in the bottom half of the table, yet Lukaku’s campaign ended with statistics that would represent a top four club well. Scoring 18 goals in 37 games, while playing for a struggling side is impressive, to say the least, and it is no surprise that Europe’s top clubs are chasing his signature. Where will Everton’s Belgian hitman be next season?

Staying with Everton

After leaving for Euro 2016, with his club in the dark over their star man’s future, Lukaku’s agent has been doing most of the off-field talking for his client as the Belgian looks to fire his country to the final stages of the tournament.

Since Lukaku left for France, Everton have been busy at work replacing Roberto Martinez and successfully brought in Ronald Koeman, after agreeing a compensation fee with Southampton. Upon Lukaku’s return, a new era at Everton will be well under way, with Schneiderlin the first signing expected to kick off the Dutch head coach’s revolution, meaning the Toffees’ top scorer of last season will have a new regime to adjust to.

The potential surrounding Everton ahead of next season is enticing and potentially a factor that may turn Lukaku’s head. With the new owner also backing the club financially, the Merseyside outfit could become a force next season, with the 23-year-old being the centre piece of his current side. A new £100,000-a-week contract may also be enough to keep him at the club.

Heading to PSG

It is hardly a surprise to see one of football’s financial powerhouses in the market for a marquee striker and links between Lukaku and PSG have been at the forefront of gossip columns. Since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s exit from the Parisian club, the Ligue 1 champions are in need of extra firepower to support Edison Cavani, who hasn’t impressed massively during his time in France.

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Lukaku would be of the status Paris are looking for and after his comments about the interesting ‘project’ the owners are conveying in Paris, links have only been strengthened. Considering the allure of Champions League and almost guaranteed silverware at Parc des Princes, Lukaku may see PSG as the perfect ‘big club’ for his needs.

The Belgian is of similar stature of Ibrahimovic and would be a like-for-like replacement, with a slightly poorer first touch and less of an ego. Could he be the fresh hitman Paris Saint Germain need to win the Champions League?

Joining Arsenal

Oliver Giroud’s 14-game goal-less streak went well documented and Arsenal’s fans will be happy to see links to other strikers. Arsene Wenger had previously attempted to fix the club’s problems with the signing of Jamie Vardy, but the Englishman decided against joining the London club. Gonzalo Higuain and Alexandre Lacazette have also been linked during recent transfer windows, yet nothing has materialised.

According to Emanuele Giulianelli, an Italian journalist, Romelu Lukaku has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and while he’s away on international duty, the two clubs are set to agree a fee. Like PSG, Arsenal offer Champions League football and a chance of trophies. Yet, joining the London outfit could provide a more competitive league and a more physical environment, in which Lukaku thrives.

Moving to Chelsea

In an odd turn of events, the manager who allowed Lukaku to leave Chelsea has now also left the club, meaning The Blues can now re-sign the Belgian, before fully realising the potential that they spent £18million on, all those years ago. With new boss Antonio Conte incoming, the Italian is assumed to have an interest in the 23-year-old striker.

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Another factor suggesting a move may be on the cards is Diego Costa’s unrest. After being left out of the Spanish squad for Euro 2016, the former Atletico Madrid man is said to want a move back to his homeland and wants the chance to represent Champions League runners-up Atletico Madrid again.

Lukaku’s return would give Costa competition, if he was to stay, which is something he hasn’t had over the past season. Loic Remy barely featured, Alexander Pato wasn’t what was hoped for and Bertrand Traore still looks raw, while certainly talented. Having a big name in competition for the starting spot may spark the form of Costa’s first season at Stamford Bridge, while Lukaku would also provide firepower of his own.

A possible Belgian link with Eden Hazard may be of benefit to Chelsea, although the lack of chemistry between the duo has been noted throughout their performances at Euro 2016 in France. Only time will tell if there’s any rift between the Belgian stars.

Featured Image – All Rights Reserved by Ai Kagou.