Antonio Conte has asked Napoli to accelerate their efforts to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, but the Italian club are keen to avoid being ‘tricked’ by Aston Villa’s apparent push for him.
That’s according to Radio Punto Nuovo, relayed by Calcio Napoli 24, who report the latest around Lukaku and how Aston Villa continue to try and sign him too.
The Belgian striker has been linked with a move to Napoli for weeks, with he and Conte seemingly determined to reunite in Italy once again.
Talks with Chelsea have not been progressing as they would hope, even when both clubs tried to work out a deal that potentially include Victor Osimhen going the other way.
While they have moved slowly, Aston Villa have emerged as contenders for Lukaku’s signature, remaining in the picture for him despite the striker reportedly making it clear he’s not interested and only wants Napoli.
What that has done is provide Chelsea with the opportunity to put the pressure on Napoli and we pointed that out earlier today when we covered the latest reports on the matter.
Radio Punto Nuovo now provide further information and explain that Napoli are keen to avoid being tricked by Aston Villa’s insistence.
“Conte asked Manna to give him the starting striker by the start of the championship,” they are quoted as saying.
“Above all, he doesn’t want to be fooled by Aston Villa’s pressing, which is becoming more and more insistent. An operation that would require an effort from the Azzurri management, who awaits the sale of Osimhen.
“The Nigerian has everything outlined with PSG, who is stalling and playing downwards. In the next few days, a move with Chelsea may come to unlock the deal. Napoli’s objective, as of today, is to have Lukaku in the squad in time for the Serie A debut against Verona.”
