Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku wants Antonio Conte. And Conte wants Lukaku at Napoli. That has been well known for weeks now.
The deal hasn’t really progressed despite the intentions of all parties. At one point, it seemed as if the move depended on the exit of Victor Osimhen.
Since the Nigerian’s move isn’t taking off, Napoli might be trying to sign Lukaku without having to sell Osimhen.
Il Mattino have today stated, as relayed by TuttoNapoli, that Napoli are attempting to sign Lukaku permanently already but they haven’t crossed the ‘threshold’ of €25m yet.
Chelsea’s demand, as of now, remains €30m. The gap isn’t huge by any means but the report suggests that there is a way that the ‘deal can be closed’.
If Napoli attempt to sign the Belgian from Chelsea on an initial one-year loan with the obligation to buy at around €27m, it might prove enough for those at Stamford Bridge.
Where things are currently, the Blues probably won’t execute a sale, but the feeling is that Napoli will keep pushing.
