Everton’s Romelu Lukaku has reportedly turned down a contract extension and is determined to leave the club this summer.
The striker leads the goal-scoring charts in the premier league with 19 goals alongside Harry Kane and is keen on securing a move to one of the European powerhouses.
Given his form throughout his Everton career in particular, he won’t be short of suitors.
Here are five teams the Belgian could move to.
CHELSEA
Lukaku was never fancied at Chelsea, rarely afforded an opportunity in the first team. After a couple of loan spells, Jose Mourinho finally cashed in on him but like Paul Pogba at Manchester United, Lukaku may relish the opportunity to return in triumph to the club that discarded him.
He would be reunited with childhood friends Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois while offering a solid option to Diego Costa with whom he could even compete for a starting berth.
ARSENAL
It’s difficult to imagine Alexis Sanchez staying at Arsenal beyond this summer given his scintillating form since his arrival and his recent falling out with Arsene Wenger. Olivier Giroud has always been better off the bench and has proved unreliable as a regular starter.
Lukaku would ably slot in as the main striker. Wenger would no doubt gawk at the transfer fee but would he even be at the helm next season?
AS MONACO
The French side are on the rise and while Radamel Falcao has enjoyed a resurgence this season, he’s not getting any younger. The 31-year-old may not be the ideal first choice striker come next season. Lukaku would certainly be a breath of fresh air in that role.
With Europe’s top clubs circling some of Monaco’s best players, they may have a war chest at their disposal in the summer and the Belgian, while expensive, would be an investment.
51% - Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 51% of Everton's goals in the Premier League this season (24 of 47). Force. pic.twitter.com/ByenlgQVBM
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2017
ATLETICO MADRID
Antoine Griezmann has been heavily linked with a move away from Atletico, with Manchester United in particular being touted as the favourites for his signature.
Should the Frenchman be lured away, Diego Simeone’s men will have to replace his goals. Kevin Gameiro can’t be expected to lead the attack on his own. In Lukaku, they would get a striker in the same mould as Costa.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Similar to the scenario at Atletico, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had his head turned as well. The striker has been among the best goalscorers in Europe for the past couple of seasons and has made no secret of his desire to play for Real Madrid.
Despite the acquisition of Alexander Isak, Dotmund will need a more seasoned striker to ensure that they remain competitive and Lukaku could be that man.
