Romelu Lukaku is close to completing his long-awaited move to Napoli from Chelsea as he is set to undergo his medical today in Italy. Chelsea struck a deal with Napoli last week for the Belgian striker. The initial fee stands at €30m, climbing to €45m with add-ons.
Lukaku has given his nod to a three-year contract with the Serie A club. This move will bring him back together with his former boss, Antonio Conte, following their successful partnership at Inter Milan.
Lukaku to Travel to Italy for Medical
Chelsea have tried to sell the Belgian for the past two years, as his comeback to Stamford Bridge had turned into a complete disaster. The 31-year-old spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter and Roma respectively. After saying no to an initial loan offer with an option to buy worth about £25.5m from Napoli, the Blues have now shaken hands on a deal that could reach the full €45m exit fee they wanted.
The Belgian international has not made a single appearance for the West London club since May 2022. At last, everyone can put this saga behind them. It is also believed that the deal includes a sell-on clause.
Gianlucadimarzio.com report states Lukaku will undergo his medical at Napoli on Wednesday. All parties have reached an agreement, but Nizaar Kinsella notes a small image rights issue in his contract with Napoli needs resolution. But, Chelsea will be more than glad to remove him from their payroll, given his high wages at Stamford Bridge. Lukaku rejected Aston Villa, opting instead to join Conte in Naples.
Osimhen Deal is Still Up in the Air
Victor Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. Antonio Conte has not played the Nigerian striker in any game, but Osimhen does not want to join the Saudi Pro League. On Monday, his agent stressed again that Osimhen aims to keep playing in Europe.
Osimhen’s Napoli contract includes a €130m release clause. However, with the transfer window closing soon, Napoli might agree to sell their top scorer for about €70m.
Can the Chelsea Outcast Succeed at Napoli?
Even though Lukaku has a good history with Conte, success in Naples is not guaranteed. The 31-year-old wants to team up with the Italian coach in Naples again, after he helped him perform at his peak when they were at Inter. In the 2020/21 season, Lukaku scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 44 games for the Serie A giants, leading his team to win the Italian title in 2023.
Since their time at Inter, the Belgian player’s form has dropped. The Chelsea striker has big expectations to meet, if Victor Osimhen leaves Napoli in the last week of the transfer window.
Supporters of the Italian team hope Lukaku scores goals at a minimum, something the 31-year-old excels at in Serie A in recent years. The move benefits all parties involved and might prove even more advantageous for Napoli if Conte helps Lukaku regain his 2020/21 form.
Is Lukaku the Worst Chelsea Signing?
Chelsea had high expectations when they brought Lukaku back from Inter Milan in 2021. He arrived in west London as one of the world’s top strikers and cost the Blues £100m.
Yet, he never felt at home with the team going back to Inter on loan before joining AS Roma in another short-term deal. Chelsea fans will be happy to see Lukaku leave, as he upset them with his well-known interview, which happened soon after he returned to the club. Besides Lukaku and Kepa, Ben Chilwell might also be on his way out. Chelsea may let Chilwell go for £25m before the transfer window closes.
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