You might be forgiven for thinking that Romelu Lukaku is not still a Chelsea player. The 30-year-old returned to Stamford Bridge for around £100 million on 12 August 2021, with the forward leaving Inter and initially flourishing for the London club before dropping out of favour under then-manager Thomas Tuchel.

It came as no surprise to see the Belgian striker return to Inter for a season-long loan last term, but his future is once again the subject of speculation. Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that Lukaku could yet stay at the club, and the latest odds from betting sites seem to indicate the same - that he stays in the Premier League.

However, the forward has also been linked with a host of other clubs, and it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see the former Manchester United and Everton striker make a move before the transfer window closes. Tottenham and Juventus could also be in the market for him along with one of the Saudi Arabian clubs.

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Does Romelu Lukaku Have a Long-Term Future at Chelsea?

When recently asked about Romelu Lukaku’s future at Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino said that the Belgian might still have a future at Stamford Bridge. The 30-year-old has not featured for the Blues first team this season and is currently training with the under-21s at the club, but he could still come in from the cold, according to odds being offered on football betting apps.

While Chelsea are keen to offload the player, much depends on whether any club are willing to step forward and sign him. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has brought about some enormous spending at the club over the past 12 months, and it’s probably in his financial plan to recoup some of the cash spent by selling Lukaku.

However, time is now running out to sell the striker before the summer transfer window closes, and a lack of viable options could lead to the player returning to first-team action. Summer signing Christopher Nkunku is currently out injured, and Chelsea struggled to find the net against both Liverpool and West Ham, so there could be scope for Lukaku to play a part.

Tottenham Hotspur Might Bid For Belgian

Tottenham are being linked to a number of players, and it’s hardly a surprise. It’s highly likely that the London outfit will make some captures before the transfer window closes, with Ange Postecoglou keen to add to the likes of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, especially with Harry Kane signing for Bayern Munich.

Indeed, replacing a player of Kane’s ilk won’t be at all easy for Tottenham, although they might have eyes on Lukaku, who has proven time and again that he can score goals in the Premier League. He was prolific for both Everton and Manchester United.

Tottenham will hope to find an extra attacking option now that Kane has left, especially as the jury is out on whether Richarlison is that out-and-out central striker they need. However, Lukaku commands an enormous salary, which could be a sticking point.

Could Saudi Arabia Come Calling for Lukaku?

There are a number of Saudi Arabian clubs that have flexed their financial muscle already this summer. Al Hilal have recently added Neymar to their ranks, while Sadio Mane has joined Al Nassr, and we’ve seen Allan Saint-Maximin join Al Ahli to demonstrate there are a number of Pro League clubs who have the funds to spend big.

It wouldn’t come as a big surprise if Lukaku was the latest big-name player to make the switch from the Premier League to Saudi Arabia, with Riyad Mahrez and Jordan Henderson other high-profile players who have defected to the Pro League this summer.

Financially, a Pro League club should have little problems stumping up the cash to sign Lukaku and cover his big wages, and the prices at UK betting sites imply that a move to Saudi could yet be on the cards for Lukaku.

Juventus Might Also Throw Hat Into Lukaku Ring

Although Internazionale are unlikely to afford to sign Romelu Lukaku and bring him back to the Milan club for a third stint, it might be that Juventus are able to enter the running to sign him. The Turin side are trading among the favourites to capture a player who has proven that he can score goals in Serie A.

It’s possibly going to be a stretch for Juve to stump up the money in order to sign Lukaku and add him to their squad, with the Italian side having endued a number of financial difficulties over the past few years, so perhaps this move won't go through.