Premier League giants Chelsea have, on Thursday evening, announced the long-awaited signing of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.
‘Welcome home’
The name of Belgian hitman Lukaku has of course taken centre stage in West London over the course of the last week.
This comes with Chelsea, on the back of a campaign which saw the club’s attackers largely toil in front of goal, having swooped to bring their former striker back to the club.
Lukaku of course spent three years on the books of the Blues during the early years of his career, before ultimately being deemed surplus to requirements.
On the back of arguably the two finest seasons of his career at club level with Inter Milan, though, those in a position of power at Stamford Bridge this summer came to the conclusion that the 28-year-old now boasts all of the required attributes to spearhead Thomas Tuchel’s frontline.
In turn, with Inter amid something of a financial crisis, Chelsea, last week, made their move.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 22, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
And, as outlined above, on Thursday, such efforts have borne fruit.
As confirmed in a series of posts across the club’s social media platforms, Chelsea have officially secured Lukaku’s signing, with the ex-Everton man having put pen to paper on a 5-year contract.
Welcome home, @RomeluLukaku9. 💙#LukWhosBack pic.twitter.com/P43CAIVqfU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2021
Elsewhere, the financial details of the deal have too been revealed.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukaku has set his new club back a hefty €115 million, with the prolific attacker set to earn €12 million-per-year (plus bonuses) back in London.
OFFICIAL. Confirmed. Romelu Lukaku joins Chelsea on a permanent deal from Inter for €115m fee. He’ll receive €12m net/season plus add ons as salary. 🔵🤝 #CFC
Biggest sale in Serie A history. Big Rom’s back at Stamford Bridge. pic.twitter.com/qPcDSVAhaR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2021
Arsenal clash eyed
Unfortunately for the Chelsea faithful, though, they will be forced to wait before catching a first glimpse of Lukaku back on the pitch in the club’s colours.
This comes with the Belgian international not expected to feature in the Blues’ Premier League season opener this weekend.
Instead, Lukaku should mark his 2nd debut in a Chelsea shirt on August 22nd, versus Arsenal.
🚨 Romelu Lukaku not available for Chelsea in Saturday’s Premier League opener vs Crystal Palace. No issues with transfer (€115m, 5yr contract) so all being well the 28yo striker will feature at Arsenal on 22 Aug. With @liam_twomey for @TheAthleticUK #CFC https://t.co/D9aLCJ0BwY
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 12, 2021
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