Lukaku aims for reunion as WILD Man Utd rumour emerges

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 5 Jul 2024 05:11 CDT
• 4 min read

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku’s future is unclear, but what does appear certain is that he will not be at Stamford Bridge by the time the summer transfer window shuts.

The Blues are pursuing other options in attack, and even if a deal for Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen looks complicated, Lukaku has made it his mission to hook up with former boss Antonio Conte in Naples, according to reports.

Chelsea had hoped to use the player in a makeweight deal to land the 25-year-old Nigeria international, but it appears Napoli’s asking price will simply be too great.

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Current ETV

R. Lukaku

F (C)

Roma

R. Lukaku

F (C)

Roma

€35.2M

ETV Range

€26.4M - €43.9M

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Unfortunately for Lukaku, who is said to be obsessed with the idea of reuniting with Conte after spending last season on loan at Roma, his future is tied to that of Osimhen, who must leave the Serie A club to make way for him to sign.

Corriere dello Sport reports: “Romelu Lukaku has a wish: to return to work with Antonio Conte, the coach with whom he won a Scudetto at Inter and scored 64 goals in two years.”

But the Belgium hitman, who can now focus on his future after his nation were defeated 1-0 by France at Euro 2024, cannot hook up with Conte while Osimhen remains at the club.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

For his part, the coach, who also had a spell in charge of Chelsea, has made it clear he is open to a move.

“Lukaku is a great player like Osimhen. When these champions are there, you always hope to have them on your side,” Conte said as he was introduced as Napoli coach.

While Lukaku is in a hurry to seal his future, there is no breakthrough in Osimhen’s future on the horizon.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are seeking around €45 million (£38m) for the striker.

Lukaku to make Man Utd return!?

Another hypothesis has been thrown up for the future of Lukaku – one that is equally unexpected and unlikely.

FantaCalcio reports that Manchester United are considering the forward for a “sensational return” to Old Trafford.

This deal will only be brokered, it is claimed, if a move for Joshua Zirkzee breaks down.

With Zirkzee apparently heading to Man Utd, the veracity of this rumour is unlikely to be tested, yet it looks highly improbable that Lukaku would return to Old Trafford.

The Belgian hitman, who scored 42 times in 96 appearances previously with United, is not of the age profile being targeted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, particularly at the price point Chelsea are asking.