Chelsea reach SHOCK agreement to sell Lukaku to Premier League rivals

Cameron Smith

2 Aug 2024 07:00 BST
3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sell Romelu Lukaku to Aston Villa this summer.

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The Belgium international has spent the past two seasons on loan in Italy and he is expected to finally leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal before the 2024-25 campaign kicks off.

The Saudi Pro League have expressed their interest in Lukaku, but a return to Serie A has long been considered his most likely next step.

Lukaku’s former Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte is pushing to sign him for Napoli, but the Italian side are only able to complete a move if Victor Osimhen departs.

As a result, talk of a swap deal has been rife, although Chelsea and Napoli are yet to reach an agreement regarding a possible deal.

Furthermore, sensational reports from Italy now suggest that Chelsea could sell Lukaku to Aston Villa.

Romelu Lukaku to Villa Park?

According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Aston Villa have reached a total agreement with Chelsea to sign Lukaku this summer.

The Midlands-based outfit are eager to sell Colombian forward Jhon Duran and have reportedly agreed a fee to purchase Lukaku as his replacement.

© IMAGO - Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Romelu Lukaku, as per reports in Italy

Chelsea are now pushing the Belgian to join Unai Emery’s side, as per reports, but Lukaku isn’t interested in discussing personal terms with Villa, and his heart is set on a reunion with Conte at Napoli.

Lukaku, 31, re-joined Chelsea for €113m in 2021, but he has endured a torrid return to west London and is set to depart this summer.

His current deal at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in 2026, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €35.2m.

Belgium’s all-time record goalscorer netted 21 goals in 47 appearances on loan at AS Roma last season. His last Chelsea goal came against Leeds in May 2022.