The potential return of Romelu Lukaku to Italy has hit a snag as negotiations between Napoli and Chelsea have reached an impasse. A meeting between the two clubs this afternoon failed to produce an agreement, with the main sticking point being the structure of the transfer.
Calciomercato report Napoli has proposed a loan deal with an obligation to buy, while Chelsea is insisting on a permanent transfer. This disagreement on the transfer formula has prevented the deal from being finalized, despite Lukaku being a top target for Napoli and new manager Antonio Conte for several months.
The meeting between the clubs’ directors proved challenging, highlighting the divergent views on how the transfer should be structured. While both parties are expected to reconvene for further discussions, an agreement remains elusive for now.
In terms of financials, Napoli’s Sporting Director Giovanni Manna was aiming for a loan with an obligation to buy for a total of around €30 million. Chelsea, on the other hand, is seeking an outright sale and initially quoted a figure of €40 million.
Despite the deadlock between the clubs, Lukaku has reportedly agreed personal terms with Napoli. The proposed contract is a three-year deal until 2027, worth 6 million euros per season plus bonuses.
Manna is currently in London, with the goal of closing the deal with Chelsea as soon as possible. However, the differing views on the transfer structure present a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome before Lukaku can make his return to Serie A.
