Lukaku transfer 'agreed' as long-term Chelsea target in talks over exit

Suraj Radia

17 Jul 2024 15:00 BST
3 min read

Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare could soon be coming to an end in a move that could also have significant implications over one of the Blues’ long-term transfer targets.

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Chelsea and Lukaku have been keen to sever ties, with the Belgian having spent the last two years on loan in Italy, but the club’s asking price of €40 million had so far not been met.

However, reports in Italy have now claimed that an agreement is close to being struck by Napoli to sign Lukaku from Chelsea for fee of €25m plus bonuses.

Lukaku has already agreed personal terms with Napoli, who are managed by Antonio Conte, the 31-year-old’s former coach at Chelsea and Inter.

Napoli have long pursued Lukaku this summer but a move was held up due to Chelsea’s asking price as well as the uncertain future over Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen had been expected to leave Napoli this summer but offers meeting the club’s expectations have not been forthcoming, however the Nigerian is now believed to be in talks with Paris Saint-Germain.

© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen finally looks set to leave Napoli

PSG make Osimhen move with Chelsea talks halted

PSG are understood to have held negotiations with Napoli over a deal for Osimhen which could see a fringe player such as Carlos Soler, Nordi Mukiele or Lee Kang-In go the other way.

Napoli had been holding out for a fee of around €100m for Osimhen and Chelsea were considered favourites to sign the Nigerian but their interest has cooled due to the asking price.

But PSG, who are looking to account for the loss of talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe, are believed to have held face-to-face talks with Osimhen’s agent in recent days.

Compared

Romelu Lukaku

F (C)

Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku

F (C)

Chelsea

VS

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

2023/2024

Season Statistics

2023/2024

47	Appearances	32
21	Goals	17
4	Assists	4
3908	Minutes Played	2475
44	Shots On Target	47
49	Key Passes	29

The discussions have resulted in PSG being willing to make a move for the 25-year-old and any progress in that deal will help accelerate the arrival of Lukaku in Naples, although it may depend on the French side first being able to shift on another striker such as Goncalo Ramos.