West Ham are “in talks” with Romelu Lukaku as they consider making a bid for the Chelsea striker, according to FootballTransfers.com.
The Belgian international has been left in limbo after moves to Inter Milan and Juventus stalled, and FT suggest that the Hammers have been given “encouragement” from the player’s agents that he would consider a transfer to the London Stadium.
Plenty of supporters on X are very sceptical about this Lukaku rumour, with many questioning whether the club could even afford the player’s wages:
The most Moyes player I’ve ever seen
— FootballWatcher⚒️ (@FootyWatch3r) August 21, 2023
Only way we’re getting him is on loan, with Chelsea paying about 70% of his wages.
— JH (@wookie301) August 21, 2023
Plz no
— Foss ⚒ (@reggie_fossett) August 22, 2023
Can’t afford his wages
— Joe Halford (@JoeHalford14) August 21, 2023
A Belgian Antonio 🤷♂️
— Ollie Jonas (@oliverjonas2) August 21, 2023
Can we afford his wages never mind his transfer fee
— Desmond Charles (@DessieDreamer) August 21, 2023
Chelsea couldn’t give him away.
— ⚒⚒⚒slightlyMASSIVEMick 🤣⌨🖱🇬🇧🏴🇪🇺 (@geoffpeters224) August 21, 2023
He’s a has been . Not a patch on Antonio . Please let this be a fabrication .
— Graham Walls (@GrahamWalls5) August 22, 2023
Lukaku’s transfer fee would not be a problem
Chelsea are reportedly demanding £40m for the 30-year-old, which is a pretty reasonable price but, as some fans have pointed out, the Belgian’s salary demands are eye-watering.
Lukaku currently earns £325,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, which is just over DOUBLE West Ham’s highest earner, who is Lucas Paqueta (£150,000 a week).
West Ham are looking at other forwards
While Lukaku may potentially be an option, it appears the Irons are pursuing more realistic targets at the moment. The London club have been locked in talks with Ajax about signing Mohammed Kudus.
A deal has stalled over the fee but the two sides are not thought to be too far apart on the price. Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri and PSG’s Hugo Ekitike are also on West Ham’s radar.
