Napoli are hoping to include Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku in any potential transfer talks regarding Victor Osimhen. the Blues reportedly have a strong interest in the Nigerian international while Lukaku, who made headlines last summer with his move to Roma from Inter Milan, is currently on loan with the Giallorossi for €10 million, with bonuses included.
Calciomercato report that at the end of the season, if no agreement is reached with Chelsea, Lukaku will return to London. However, Roma’s ability to retain the Belgian striker hinges on a valuation of at least €40 million—a sum that the Friedkin family, while confirming the continuity of Daniele de Rossi as manager, might find challenging without significant player sales.
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea at the end of the season seems inevitable, but his stay appears short-lived. The Blues consider their stint with the Belgian forward as closed and unsuccessful. Despite managerial uncertainties at Stamford Bridge, with Antonio Conte’s name resurfacing alongside discussions over the future of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s long-standing plan is clear: to offload Lukaku, who they re-acquired from Inter for €115 million, for no less than €40 million (to avoid financial loss) and replace him with a younger, top-tier striker with different characteristics. Victor Osimhen has emerged as the primary target in this regard.
Osimhen has long signaled his departure from the club, with president Aurelio De Laurentiis awaiting the activation of his €150 million release clause. Chelsea, eager to outmaneuver PSG and Manchester United, have explored various avenues to secure Osimhen, including the insertion of a technical counterpart to lower the transaction cost.
Giovanni Manna, set to replace Napoli director Mauro Meluso at Napoli, previously attempted to bring Lukaku to Juventus last summer, initiating a similar deal with Chelsea involving Dusan Vlahovic. According to Sky sources, Lukaku is viewed by the incoming Napoli sporting director as the ideal replacement for Osimhen and is being pursued as a technical counterpart in the Osimhen deal. While De Laurentiis’ approval remains pending, there’s a real possibility that Lukaku could don yet another Serie A jersey in the upcoming season.
