According to Paul Merson, Chelsea ‘has no option’ but to keep Romelu Lukaku next season since the club ‘has no money.’
The Blues’ future is uncertain since acquisition discussions have stopped as a result of Roman Abramovich’s refusal to write down the club’s £1.6 billion debt.
Lukaku, who re-joined the club from Inter Milan for £97.5 million last summer, is one of the club’s most valuable financial assets. He has been a tremendous disappointment and has had a difficult season, settling for a spot on the substitutes’ bench in recent weeks. There has been speculation of a summer exit, and Lukaku gave a contentious interview in Italy before Christmas, outlining his dissatisfaction with Chelsea and declaring his love for Inter.
Merson, on the other hand, is certain that the Blues must keep him now, given the club’s financial instability.
‘Chelsea doesn’t have much of an option but to stick with Romelu Lukaku,’ he said.
‘They’re being sold because they don’t have the money to buy individuals for £100 million and sell them for half that. Not going to happen.’ For my money, he’ll stay there, and maybe he’ll start next season.’
Antonio Rudiger is one of the Chelsea players that is likely to go on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Merson believes the German will be missed much. ‘Rudiger will be a major loss, I can’t convey how enormous that will be,’ he continued. He wouldn’t be missed if Chelsea used a four-man defense. He can only play in a three-player situation.
‘He reminds me of David Luiz in that he’ll pursue the ball, close down, and go out of position, but in a three, he can go for it.’
Chelsea are still in with a chance of finishing in the top four, but they will be seeking to rebound from their setback to Everton last weekend when they play Wolves on Saturday.