Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has reportedly reached an agreement to join Roma on a loan deal for the duration of the season.

Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has finalized a deal to move to the Italian club Roma on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Having spent the previous season on loan with Inter Milan, aiding them in reaching the Champions League final, the 30-year-old forward is making his return to Serie A as he joins Italian side Roma. Notably, he turned down a tempting offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Lukaku expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The warm welcome from this club and its fans has truly excited me, serving as an extra motivation to give my all for my new team." The striker is believed to have agreed to a reduced wage in order to reunite with coach Jose Mourinho at Roma.

Mourinho previously managed Lukaku briefly during the 2013-14 season when the striker was with Chelsea. Subsequently, Mourinho signed Lukaku from Everton for Manchester United in 2017 for a transfer fee of £75 million.

Lukaku further commented, "I had the chance to converse with the owners in recent days, and their ambition truly struck me. Now, our task is to put in the work, remain humble, and progress with each game. Personally, I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunity to support my teammates both on and off the field."

After making a permanent £74 million transfer to Inter from Manchester United in 2019, Lukaku returned to Chelsea in 2021 for a significant fee of £97.5 million. However, his second stint with Chelsea was less successful, and he hasn't played for the club since May 2022.

Notably absent from Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, Lukaku, despite having three years remaining on his contract, wasn't included in the plans for the 2023-24 season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Roma's general manager of the sports division, Tiago Pinto, expressed satisfaction with Lukaku's choice, stating, "Learning that Lukaku has opted for Roma can only bring us immense joy. His arrival adds experience, professionalism, and a winning spirit to our team." Pinto further noted, "All our decisions are consistently aimed at elevating Roma's level of competitiveness. Witnessing the fans' enthusiastic reception of Romelu fills us with pride."

Throughout his career, Lukaku has secured titles such as the Belgian championship with Anderlecht, an FA Cup and a Club World Cup with Chelsea, and a Scudetto, an Italian Cup, and an Italian Super Cup with Inter.