Martinez on Lukaku: "Of course we'll get him"

For Everton fans, this has been the summer of Romelu Lukaku. Confidence in signing Lukaku increased when reports surfaced that the Belgian striker would sign with the Toffees on a permanent basis, ‘within the next 48 hours’. Well, that 48 hours has passed, and then some, but Roberto Martinez reinvigorated the Lukaku to Everton rumor while the team was on tour in Thailand. When asked if the team was going to sign Lukaku, Martinez replied, "Of course, we’ll get him."

Many supporters have been concerned by recent rumors that Lukaku may sign with Serie A side Juventus, Bundesliga club Wolfsburg or stay at Chelsea for the upcoming season. But as many of us know rumors are often just speculation, and transfer season is silly season.

It is unknown if Martinez’s comments were serious, hopeful or tongue in cheek, so it would be unwise to read too much into it at this juncture. If anything, Martinez is just reinforcing what we already know, that Everton has engaged Chelsea about bringing Lukaku back to Goodison Park and are hopeful that they can secure his signature.

Evertonians are anxious for the club to sign new players after a slow start to the transfer window, with Muhamed Besic and Gareth Barry being the only signings to date. But keep in mind that signing a player of Lukaku’s caliber is going to take time and negotiations may very well go right up to the deadline.

That being said, I remain optimistic that Lukaku will be with Everton when the season kicks off against Leicester City, or soon after. But until the club releases an official statement announcing the deal, fans would do well to remain cautiously optimistic.