Romano reveals Lukaku is ready to HALVE his salary to leave Chelsea

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Jul 2024 14:24 BST
• 3 min read

Romelu Lukaku is willing to halve his salary to seal a move to Napoli, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Belgian striker's transfer saga continues and it will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Chelsea are desperate to offload the €113 million flop, but a deal hinges on many factors.

Lukaku has Saudi suitors, but he would prefer to remain in Europe and, specifically, in Italy. Lukaku's dream move is reuniting with Antonio Conte at Napoli after the two had previously enjoyed an eminently successful time together at Inter.

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The feeling is mutual as Lukaku is Napoli's top target, with the 2023 Serie A champions fully aware that they will likely need to replace Victor Osimhen this summer. They have an agreement allowing the Nigerian to leave, but clubs have been reluctant to pay his €120m-€130m release clause.

In recent days, progress has been made, however, and now Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest information on the saga.

Lukaku willing to take pay cut

Over the past week, PSG have opened talks with Napoli and Osimhen over a potential summer transfer and the 25-year-old was quick to give the green light to the French champions, even though he has ambitions of playing in the Premier League.

Now, it is up to the two clubs to agree on a transfer fee, with PSG unwilling to trigger Osimhen's release clause. This is where Lukaku comes into the equation because, according to Romano, Napoli will not sign the 31-year-old unless or rather until Osimhen is sold.

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This also tallies with what Sky Germany has been reporting. Chelsea have a gentleman's agreement with Lukaku that he can leave for €40m, an unofficial release clause of sorts, but Napoli can only offer €25m as things stand.

A move for Lukaku is currently on ice despite the Belgian being willing to make some major sacrifices to reunite with Conte. Romano has revealed that the Belgian's agreement on terms with the Italian side will see his salary almost halved, falling from €11m per season to €6m.

A contract until 2027 is waiting for Lukaku, but the striker remains in limbo. Everything ultimately depends on Osimhen and PSG.