Rafa on Chelsea's Lukaku: it "may be best for him to stay" at West Brom for now

Rafa Benitez has all but confirmed Romelu Lukaku will stay at the Hawthorns until the end of the season.

Romelu Lukaku has been in fine form for West Brom, scoring 5 goals in his 12 Premier League appearances this season, most of which he started on the bench. That is one more goal than Torres has scored in his 15 Premier League starts this season.

Despite the lack of goals at Stamford Bridge, interim chief Benitez believes the 19-year-old will be better served by staying at the Hawthorns, with regular first-team football imperative to his continued development.

“We know Romelu has been doing very well for West Brom,” Benitez said

“But it’s maybe best for him to stay there where he is playing games for now, as it will be better for his future development.”

Lukaku has already made it clear that he hopes for a prolonged stay in the Midlands, after helping Steve Clark’s side push towards the Champions League places.

Competition is fierce for a starting spot at West Brom, with Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie also in good form, and it appears to have brought the best out of the former Anderlecht starlet.

Lukaku said: “I don’t think about the option. I am very happy to be here for one year. Hopefully, this season will end very well and we will see what happens in the future.”

Lukaku was bought as an investment for the future, but we could use his strength and ability back at Chelsea now. Lukaku cost £18million and if Chelsea we’re to be eliminated from this seasons Champions League this week, I think we should take a slight risk on the striker. Lukaku has shown his ability for West Brom and there is no reason why he couldn’t continue his form in a blue shirt. Why shouldn’t we take a risk in our £18million investment?