The latest transfer news from Stamford Bridge as Chelsea ‘agree’ to sell Romelu Lukaku to Napoli in a £38million boost to their chances of signing Victor Osimhen in return.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
In-demand Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea have reportedly ‘agreed’ a deal to sell Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku to Napoli and that could, ultimately, give them an extra £38.12million to spend on Victor Osimhen this summer. Speculation around both men has been at fever pitch with deadline day looming throughout Europe.
Lukaku to Napoli has been on the cards for a little while. Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that an agreement has been reached after Chelsea and Napoli held a meeting in London.
It’s said Chelsea have verbally accepted a bid worth €30million up front with €15million in add-ons. Altogether, the deal comes in at £38.12million exchanged.
Lukaku, 31, is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Italian side, and an announcement could follow soon. Helping the former Manchester United striker find a new club had been a priority for key figures at Stamford Bridge this summer, but it could also boost them in their ongoing attempts to sign Osimhen.
The free-scoring Nigeria international is tipped to leave Napoli this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG are thought to be keeping tabs on his situation – with the Blues among the front-runners for his signature – but a release clause amounting to £110million does not make a swoop for any buyer straightforward.
However, with an open dialling line to the Italian outfit, Chelsea might also now have a financial edge. The money incoming from Lukaku could, theoretically, be paid straight back to Napoli with an extra £70million or thereabouts on top to cover the release clause – although there is thought Osimhen won’t actually cost that amount.
Osimhen’s record in Serie A reads 108 games, 65 goals and 16 assists. He previously played for Wolfsburg, Charleroi and Lille before Napoli paid €77.5million to the French Ligue 1 side for him in 2020.
Lukaku, meanwhile, is preparing to leave Stamford Bridge for a second time after re-signing for Chelsea in 2021. He has spent the last two years on loan in Serie A with Inter Milan and Roma respectively.
You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
