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Everton show they’re ready to sell Romelu Lukaku

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Romelu Lukaku of Everton celebrates after Chris Smalling of Manchester United scored own goal during The Emirates FA Cup semi final match between Everton and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Romelu Lukaku of Everton celebrates after Chris Smalling of Manchester United scored own goal during The Emirates FA Cup semi final match between Everton and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Everton have sent a clear signal to the world that they’re ready to part with Romelu Lukaku

Everton are showing signs they are finally ready to part with star striker Romelu Lukaku. In particular, the Toffees’ impending purchase of Stoke City striker Marko Arnautovic shows that Ronald Koeman is prepared to let Lukaku leave Goodison Park.

Reports from Austria claim that Everton have activated Arnautovic’s 15 million pound release clause and will successfully complete negotiations with the striker regarding his personal terms in the coming days. The acquisition of Arnautovic should pave the way for Everton to incite a bidding war for Lukaku.

The Austrian hit man certainly doesn’t have the pedigree of his Belgian counterpart, but he should soften the blow of his departure. He will provide Koeman with a solid striker who is capable of leading his team’s line in the Premier League. If the Everton manager can harness some of Arnautovic’s occasional negative energy on the pitch, he could have a real star on his hands.

After all, he did manage to contribute 12 goals and six assists last year for what proved to be a surprisingly effective Stoke City attack. Everton would like to see him build on that if they’re going to provide him the same opportunities Lukaku enjoyed last year.

The potential upside of having Arnautovic, is that Everton would finally have a striker who is firmly committed to the club. Lukaku has played hard over the past several seasons, but he’s always seemed to have one eye on his next move. Arnautovic would likely see the move to Everton as the pinnacle of his career rather than a stepping stone.

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The sale of Lukaku would also provide Everton with a massive financial windfall. There will be no shortage of deep-pocketed suitors for the young forward, and that will allow the Toffees to command an immense premium for his services. Chelsea will enter the race as the prohibitive favorites to purchase Lukaku, but they’ll face serious competition from other prominent clubs.

Everton will want to get a deal done sooner, rather than later though. The longer the Lukaku transfer saga drags on, the more difficult it will be to use the incoming cash to strengthen the Everton squad before the season begins. Koeman’s squad can’t afford to start the year slowly if they want to mount a credible charge on a spot in the top four.

Everton fans may finally be forced to part with Romelu Lukaku. That will end their love/hate relationship with the Belgian forward, but undoubtedly start a new love/hate relationship with new signing Marko Arnautovic.

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