According to Belgian outlet Voetbalkrant, Newcastle United are interested in signing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku once his loan is over with AS Roma next summer.
Newcastle have become a hot topic of conversation since their Saudi-led takeover and qualifying for the Champions League last season, so understandably they are constantly linked to big-name players.
The Magpies have secured the signing of several huge talents over the last two years with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier just a few of the key influences who have completely transformed the club from relegation contenders to part of the European elite.
It’s safe to say they rarely ever get it wrong when recruiting new additions to enhance Eddie Howe’s unstoppable squad, however, the latest rumour will certainly divide Newcastle supporters.
Belgian news outlet Voetbalkrant have claimed this week that Newcastle are looking at a potential deal to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer as they could be in the market for a new centre-forward ahead of next season.
It is claimed that Chelsea will place a £33m price tag on Lukaku’s head when the market reopens at the end of the season, making him an affordable asset for the North East outfit.
Will Newcastle sign Romelu Lukaku?
There is no doubt that Lukaku possesses the Premier League and Champions League experience that would be greatly welcomed at St James’ Park, however, the Belgian goal-scorer has struggled with consistency over the last few seasons.
This season so far Lukaku has scored six goals and delivered one assist in 11 appearances so far this season and Newcastle’s interest will likely depend on just how consistent he can be in the Serie A over the remainder of the season.
The £98m Chelsea striker has struggled to find the back of the net consistently since his Everton days with a failed spell at both Manchester United and more recently Stamford Bridge.
Having said that, the Belgium international has had many moments of magic over his long career so far and has been the recipient of high praise in the past with former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel branding him “world class”.
Newcastle have had a real struggle with their strikers picking up fitness problems as both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have both endured spells on the side-lines on more than one occasion in the last 12 months, so bringing in another strong competition for the centre-forward role would be ideal.
With that being said, whilst Lukaku adds crucial experience and availability, the 30-year-old is coming to the latter stages of his career and would be unlikely to offer Newcastle an effective long-term solution.
