Napoli submit 'official bid' for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku - Romano

Cameron Smith

19 Aug 2024 09:30 BST
3 min read

Napoli have submitted an official bid for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Belgium international has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge and he is expected to leave the club on a permanent deal after spending the past two seasons out on loan.

Napoli are now pushing to sign Lukaku, with Antonio Conte eager to be reunited with his former Inter Milan star.

Furthermore, the Serie A giants have now tabled an official offer to sign the wantaway Chelsea forward, according to Romano.

The transfer expert posted on X: “Understand Romelu Lukaku and Napoli are getting closer. Official bid on the table.

“Club to club talks now into key stages as Chelsea decision is clear: Lukaku and Osimhen, SEPARATE topics.

“Full focus on selling Lukaku, then Osimhen story eventually for final days.”

Lukaku scored 21 goals and provided four assists on loan at AS Roma last season, but he is currently training away from the Chelsea first-team, along with Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah, as the club look to sort out his future.

In addition to the Belgian, Napoli are also close to signing Benfica winger David Neres for a fee close to €30 million.

Furthermore, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Billy Gilmour remain targets for the Italian club, although an agreement has not been reached to sign either player.

© IMAGO - Romelu Lukaku spent last season on loan at Roma

Victor Osimhen to leave?

Lukaku’s future appears to be somewhat tied to Victor Osimhen, although Napoli look to be advancing in discussions to sign the Belgium international despite the presence of the Nigerian.

The Serie A side have been unable to finalise an agreement to sell Osimhen, and sporting director Giovanni Manna admitted the situation is difficult at present.

“It’s an objective fact, what the coach said, the situation is blocked,” he said.

“Victor is an important player, with an important value and conditions. His desire is clear.

“We tried to maintain the integrity of the squad at this moment. We are not the only club in this situation and we’ll see what happens over the next ten days.

“At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are. We are working with his entourage to find the best solution. As we said, he is an important player, so it’s not that we can just sell him anywhere.

“He is under contract for another two seasons, so clearly if we don’t find a solution by August 30, we’ll have to talk to the player.”