Romelu Lukaku

AnthonyG

link

The rumour is coming from TalkSPORT, who, CaughtOffside report, claim we have won the race to sign this youngster.

Even CaughtOffside, however, is a little bit skeptical about the truth of this.

Famousno10

Gathering pace this one, although I can't see it happening.

Hope I'm wrong though, he's the real deal.

Ricky1985

I've only watched him once or twice, but he really is a sight to behold. When he gets running he's like a steam train, will run through anyone, and his strength when static is just beyond belief - especially when you consider his age.

He's a good footballer, too. Not some brainless beast. He can pass, shoot, dribble - Wenger would turn him into a world beater. I reckon we're interested but there's no way we've sealed anything. His club would be mad to agree anything now, unless we have offered stupid money - which we obviously haven't.

I'd be walking on air for a few days if we actually got him though. He's a one -in-a-million freak of nature. Almost can't fail to become very, very good.

Claudius

I'm really finding it hard to believe that he was born in 1993. Some of my kids were born before then, and he looks older and bigger than me. He's a brute. Could be the next Drogba

James

He's an absolute machine.

Lukazan

Hadn't heard of him but just watched a few compilations. Looks pretty good, especially for his age. 19 goals in 45 last season for Anderlecht's first team? That's pretty awesome for a 16 year old.

Qwiss

Is this the kid Klaus was obsessed with a couple of years ago?

Klaus

😛

I did watch him a couple of times in Europa League last season. He had a stunning game against Ajax amongst others. Like others have said, it's hard to believe he's only seventeen.

Ricky1985

He really is only 17 though, there's absolutely no question. Just in case anyone was wondering. He was born in Belgium, not Africa, he's as legit as you and me.

Gotta a horrible feeling he might end up at Chelsea, along with Neymar - what a travesty that would be!

I'm encouraged by the large amount of press a potential move to Arsenal is generating though.

Don Pacifico

Yes, Ricky but we all know the provenance of the source is somewhat suspect. This was the same radio station that claimed Torres was off to Chelsea last summer (amongst other things).

As with everyone else, I'd have to suggest that a move to Chelsea is more likely, given what we know and I suspect that'll be an ever increasing trend until we start winning stuff again. Chelsea are starting to show some sort of commitment to youth with players coming through and this is coupled with a greater financial clout.

Klaus

He's definitely seventeen, ricky. It's just hard to believe when you look at him. Physically he's more developed than many players who are approaching their thirties.

Ricky1985

He's an amazing physical specimen - it gives him such a huge advantage. I've just seen it mentioned on A-M a number of times, that, because of his African roots, something dodgy is up.

Klaus

From people who don't know better, I suppose. Belgium isn't Central Africa.

Has it been confirmed that Spurs really made the bid, by the way?

Gurgen

There is this programme on Belgian TV called 'The school of Lukaku'. They basically follow him and his classmates around. He seems like a very grounded kid with his head firmly screwed on his shoulders. It's very funny how he's literally twice as big as some of his classmates 😆

James

Twice? I expecting at least four times their size. Don't sign.

kamikaze

how big is he now? thing with size is that some people just have their growth spurts unusually early, so they beat up on lesser or younger competition, but never really advance too far beyond their early peak. maybe i just watched some bad compilations, but i didn't see anything great in terms of skill/awareness. he does seem to adopt traditional striker positions pretty well.

James

That argument is used against Carlton Cole quite a bit, which i agree with. The difference here though is that Lukaku is doing it in top flight football.

Ricky1985

kamikaze80 wrote:
how big is he now? thing with size is that some people just have their growth spurts unusually early, so they beat up on lesser or younger competition, but never really advance too far beyond their early peak. maybe i just watched some bad compilations, but i didn't see anything great in terms of skill/awareness. he does seem to adopt traditional striker positions pretty well.

I haven't seen an awful lot of him, but what I have seen, in terms of his awareness and link-play, I've been impressed.

Look at the outside of the foot pass in this clip, or the perfect cross for the volley. Great vision and execution. What has really impressed me is his short passing and link-play under pressure. He's definitely not a big, dumb brute.

Burnwinter

He's enormous. Couple of great bits of skill in there and what he lacks he compensates for by simply holding out his opponent.

I do worry about injuries a bit when I see a guy with a frame like that. Hope the soft stuff in his knees is extra good.

kamikaze

yep ricky, that's the compilation i watched earlier.

sometimes i think the game's so fast now that we'll never see the real magicians of yesteryear again, it's all about athleticism now. it's turning into basketball.