Todd Boehly’s relationship with Roc Nation Sports could reportedly hold the key in regards to Romelu Lukaku’s future at Chelsea amid interest from Inter Milan.
The 29-year-old joined Chelsea last summer for a club-record £97.5 million but struggled in his first season back at Stamford Bridge, seeing him linked with a move away just a year later.
As reported by Matt Law, Boehly’s relationship with Roc Nation Sports could have an impact on Lukaku’s future.
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The report states that after Lukaku and his former agent Federico Pastorello parted ways, he hired a lawyer to represent him, and Roc Nation Sports have also taken on a ‘significant role’.
Roc Nation Sports look after the Belgian’s commercial interests and the forward has reportedly been living with an employee of the company.
Roc Nation already have links to Todd Boehly, part of the consortium that have taken over at the club.
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The part-owner of the LA Dodgers and LA Lakers has done commercial and player-based business with Roc Nation in the past, with Lakers player DJ Augustin on the 'Roc rosta’.
Last year, it was announced that rapper Jay-Z, who founded the agency, joined Boehly in investing in Fanatics, a sports merchandise company.
And this relationship could prove to be vital in terms of what the future holds for Lukaku.
The most recent reports have stated that a return to Inter is on the cards for the Belgian, with both clubs in talks over how a deal can be struck.
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However, the Italians cannot afford to pay a huge financial sum despite having sold Lukaku for £97.5 million last summer.
The existing relationship between Boehly and Roc Nation, who are playing a significant role in Lukaku’s future, could therefore be key in engineering a departure this summer, or convincing the forward to remain at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea’s new owners will grant Tuchel control over the transfer window this summer, allowing him to decide on incomings and outgoings.
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This could result in Lukaku’s immediate departure, which is reported to be a loan move as Chelsea would like to include an option to buy in any deal with Inter Milan.
Petr Cech backed the forward to get back to his best next season, whether that be with Chelsea or elsewhere.
He said: "I personally believe that he will have a great season because last season we saw how strong he can be at the beginning when he came.”
It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for the Belgian ahead of the new season as Chelsea look to rebuild their squad this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Romelu Lukaku, Todd Boehly, Inter Milan, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Nick Emms