Romelu Lukaku could now get dream Chelsea shirt number before debut at Arsenal
Striker Romelu Lukaku returns to Chelsea on five-year deal
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Romelu Lukaku could now land the perfect shirt number to cap his sensational return to Chelsea, ten years after he made his debut for the Blues. The Belgian frontman is expected to be back out in blue this Sunday when Chelsea travel to Arsenal in Premier League action following his club-record £97.5million switch from Inter Milan.
Lukaku is yet to have been given his new shirt number at Chelsea but it’s believed there is good reason for that…
It has been reported that Chelsea may have been waiting for Tammy Abraham’s future to be resolved before handing Lukaku his new shirt.
Movement was expected with the 23-year-old and now he has joined Roma on a permanent deal for £34m despite interest from Arsenal.
The transfer means Abraham’s No 9 shirt is now free and Lukaku could now receive further confirmation he is the main man at Stamford Bridge.
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It had been speculated that he could wear the No 18 shirt, a jersey he wore during his previous stint with the club but now he is expected to claim the vacated No 9.
The number has brought him great success over the years with the Belgian national team and this time around, it represents his importance to Thomas Tuchel.
The Chelsea boss was desperate to sign the 28-year-old once Borussia Dortmund made it clear Erling Haaland was not for sale at any cost.
Now Lukaku is out to set the record straight following two seasons in Serie A, after being sold by Chelsea to Everton back in 2014.
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Meanwhile, Abraham has been urged to learn from Lukaku and a host of other ex-Chelsea stars, who have gone on to better things since leaving Stamford Bridge.
Frank Lampard’s former assistant Jody Morris is Mr Chelsea and knows Abraham well from the academy.
He is under no illusions that the striker will reap the rewards of regular football under Jose Mourinho.
Morris tweeted: “Great move for Tam..will no doubt learn from Jose also learn another language and enhance his reputation globally.. not many can say they have been Chelsea’s top scorer for two seasons in a row (even when hardly playing this year). Can take inspiration from Lukaku, KDB [Kevin De Bruyne], [Mohamed] Salah etc.”
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Abraham has taken the time to address all those he has left behind at Chelsea following the completion of his move to Roma.
He said in a statement on social media: “It’s time to say goodbye to a club that means so much to me and my family. From playing at the academy as a young kid from Peckham to winning the Champions League all those years later.
“I want to say thank you to my teammates, The Academy, all of the staff and of course, the Chelsea fans who have always supported me. Wouldn’t be who I am today without you guys.
“Bring more trophies home boys! Love you all, TA9 out.”
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