Anderlecht chief rules out Romelu Lukaku stay amid Chelsea interest

Romelu Lukaku (RSCA.be)

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Anderlecht’s general manager Herman van Holsbeeck is certain Romelu Lukaku will be leaving the club this summer.

The Belgian striker has become the subject of interest from Europe’s elite over the course of the season and Van Holsbeeck is adamant his side will cash in on the 18-year-old before the transfer window closes in August.

“Sure he will leave, and his departure is crucial to our transfers,” Van Holsbeeck told Gazet van Antwerpen.

“I do not know if it will be Chelsea, there are many big clubs interested and we are negotiating. One thing is certain, he will not spend another year with Anderlecht.”

As Goal.com exclusively revealed earlier this month, the forward has not yet held talks with Chelsea regarding a possible move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and the teenager has revealed he is likely to remain in Belgium to begin pre-season preparations.

Chelsea are currently seeking a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, and are reluctant to sign the £23 million-rated striker, who is also being tracked by Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham.

“I read a lot in the paper about me these days. Some journalists try to sell information they don’t always know about,” said Lukaku.

“Please know that my current and only focus is passing my exams. After that I’ll have some holiday and will start the pre-season with RSCA Anderlecht.”