Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku nears Roma loan move

Romelu Lukaku has reportedly agreed to a wage cut in a bid to simplify negotiations over a loan transfer from Chelsea to Roma.

Despite Chelsea's inability to find a permanent buyer for Lukaku, who rejected multiple Saudi Arabian offers, they reluctantly sanctioned a loan move.

Roma emerged as Lukaku's likely destination, but his high wages and Chelsea's unwillingness to subsidise his earnings outside the club posed a hurdle.

To facilitate the deal, Lukaku seemingly accepted a near 30% wage reduction and reached an understanding with Roma for a temporary contract at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, a substantial loan fee remains a point of contention, and Chelsea's demand for £9million clashes with Roma's Financial Fair Play constraints, leading to a proposed sum of about half that amount.

Both clubs are optimistic about reaching a resolution before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

Lukaku's impending move has implications for Chelsea's other departures as it occupies one of two free loan spots. Chelsea initially aimed to sell Lukaku, using five of seven spots on various players.

Lukaku's move would make him the sixth senior overseas loanee, prompting Chelsea to rethink their temporary transfer strategy.

Midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu and £17million signing Deivid Washington were set to join Strasbourg, but Lukaku's potential move complicates matters.

Chelsea had reserved spots for emergencies as the window's end neared, including a potential temporary move for centre-back Malang Sarr if permanent options did not materialise.