‘Decided’: David Ornstein says Chelsea have just changed their mind over what they’re doing with Romelu Lukaku

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Chelsea are now prepared to consider allowing Romelu Lukaku to leave on loan before the end of the summer transfer window.

That is according to well-respected journalist David Ornstein.

One of the most intriguing transfer sagas throughout the summer has been regarding the future of Romelu Lukaku. The 30-year-old striker finds himself away from the main squad at Chelsea and waiting to find his next club.

Calciomercato reported at the end of June that Chelsea’s focus this summer was to sell Lukaku rather than allowing him to exit Stamford Bridge on another loan deal.

However, Ornstein now suggests there’s been a change of mind.

Ornstein reports for The Athletic on Friday morning that Chelsea and Lukaku have decided to entertain the idea of him going on another loan if a permanent transfer can’t be sorted.

It is explained that the Blues are now willing to let the Belgian centre-forward go on loan if certain terms are met. They would like either an obligation to buy in any deal or a straight loan with a ‘meaningful fee’.

The report adds there’s still interest from Juventus, Roma and Saudi Arabia clubs.

We certainly don’t see a route for Lukaku back into the Chelsea fold, which is why every supporter will be frustrated if he’s still on the books beyond the summer.

Regardless, nobody wants him ghosting in the shadows at Cobham for the 2023/24 season. A loan exit with an obligation to buy isn’t the worst thing if no sale can be agreed.

Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed in a press conference yesterday that the situation involving Lukaku is between the player and the club itself.

Pochettino commented on the Lukaku saga, as quoted by Football.London: “I’ll explain again, if the player and clubs wish is to find a solution, it’s not me, it’s them. In that case, the player and the club will meet and inform to me that things changed. I’m not going to move until the club or the player want to talk with me. I am here, I accept the situation that was here when I arrived.”