Chelsea Target Lukaku Under Threat from Mysterious Third-Party Bid

Highly rated forward Romelu Lukaku is tipped to leave Anderlecht in the coming season. However, now more than ever, the question of where the 18-year-old will move to looms large. A recent approach by Chelsea has been countered and just by who is still a mystery!

Approaches in previous years by Chelsea were met with declines from Anderlecht, due to issues with age and family. However, Lukaku is now 18 and has the ability to leave Anderlecht if he pleases. Chelsea held official talks last week with an Aderlecht with head coach Herman van Holsbeeck. A representative from the club confirmed the talks, saying, "There is a London club interested in the services of Romelu Lukaku and they are talking with us at the moment."

Although Chelsea are of the belief that they have already established a verbal agreement with Lukaku's family from previous years which would see him join the club, another bidder has emerged. It is believed that a group of highly rich individuals, with a passion for a common football team have joined ranks in the attempt to lure Lukaku away. The "consortium," as it has been coined, are reportedly offering lucrative sums of money to the Belgium international.

Although there is still a fair bit of time left in the transfer window, one must consider that clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Corinthians and Tottenham have been in the hunt for a forward, and could prove to hire the services of the youngster in 2011/2012.

Perhaps it will be Lukaku's childhood dream—to play alongside Didier Drogba—that will see him snub a bit of extra cash to play alongside his idol. That is, if Drogba is still at the Bridge by the time he arrives. One thing is for certain, though: Lukaku's maturity will be tested as he chooses whether to go where the money tells him to or where will best suit his career.

Talks are ongoing

Adrian is the editor at Play the Advantage Football.