According to recent reports by The Athletic, the transfer of Romelu Lukaku to Napoli is poised to be a permanent move for the Belgian striker.
Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing for a potential deal that would see Victor Osimhen move to Chelsea on a loan basis with an option to buy. The two clubs are working to finalize an agreement that would facilitate both players embarking on new challenges for the 2024-25 season.
One of the key obstacles in the negotiations is Osimhen’s substantial release clause, set at £110 million ($142 million).
This significant valuation has made discussions complex. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has also shown interest in signing the Nigerian forward. However, talks for a permanent transfer have stalled due to differing valuations between PSG and Napoli.
Adding fuel to the speculation about Osimhen’s future, Napoli manager Antonio Conte excluded him from a pre-season friendly against Egnatia.
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This move has been interpreted by many as an indication that a transfer might be imminent. For Chelsea, this development appears promising as it suggests they are now leading the race to secure Osimhen’s services ahead of PSG.
In the meantime, Romelu Lukaku is anticipated to reunite with Conte, under whom he previously won the Serie A title during their time at Inter Milan.
Lukaku is slated to return to Chelsea’s training facility at Cobham next week, where he will continue training individually. Chelsea is eager to resolve Lukaku’s transfer situation promptly, ideally before the squad returns from their pre-season tour in the United States on August 7.
The ongoing negotiations and the players’ respective situations have generated significant interest, and fans of both clubs are eagerly awaiting the final outcomes.
The prospect of Lukaku joining Napoli and Osimhen potentially donning the Chelsea jersey adds an exciting dynamic to the upcoming season, promising new challenges and opportunities for both talented forwards.