FILE PHOTO: Romelu Lukaku in action during an Inter Milan training session at the club’s training ground Suning Training Center at Appiano Gentile on July 29, 2021 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
Chelsea's new striker Romelu Lukaku said on Wednesday he is ready to play against Arsenal in the Blues' next fixture should he be included in the team.
Lukaku rejoined Chelsea on August 12 from Inter Milan for £97.5m (€115m), but did not take part in the side's Saturday 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace.
"It's been good to join in with the guys and get to work. Now it's just about getting to know all my team-mates better and at the end of the day, I'm ready for Sunday if the manager needs me," the Belgian said at his official unveiling press conference.
Lukaku scored 24 goals for Inter Milan last season, helping them to their first Scudetto in 11 years.
Only Juventus' forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored more in the league.
The Belgian's transfer to Chelsea makes him the most expensive player in history in terms of accumulated transfer fees, standing at £308.5m – over £30m more than Brazilian Neymar in second (£271.7m).
Having already been part of Chelsea training sessions, Lukaku said he is impressed with the side's desire to accomplish even more, having won the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League.
"I can't wait to add something to this group and I'm excited to get started," he said.