Napoli is considering the inclusion of Romelu Lukaku in negotiations with Chelsea regarding Victor Osimhen, as the Serie A club is eager to finalize a deal for the Belgian forward.
Lukaku is set to resume training at Chelsea’s Cobham facility this week after spending the last two seasons on loan with Inter and Roma. The 31-year-old will train with squad members who did not travel to the United States for the club’s tour, including defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is reportedly available for transfer.
With two years remaining on his contract after rejoining Chelsea for a record fee of £97.5m in 2021, Lukaku has reportedly reached a three-year agreement with Napoli. However, Chelsea is said to be seeking approximately £30m and continues discussions with the Italian club, which must sell Osimhen to finance their market activities.
Paris Saint-Germain had emerged as the favorites to acquire the Nigerian striker, although negotiations with Napoli are thought to have stalled. Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli’s president, has set a release clause of around €130m (£110m) for Osimhen, who has been training apart from the main squad under Antonio Conte and has yet to play in their pre-season matches.
Chelsea has long been interested in the 25-year-old, who played a vital role in helping Napoli secure their first Italian championship in 33 years in 2023. Although the club previously indicated they would not pay the release clause, the chance to offload Lukaku from their payroll might facilitate a move for Osimhen.
In addition, Chelsea is nearing a deal for Filip Jorgensen after agreeing on a fee of €24m (£20.2m) with Villarreal for the goalkeeper. The 22-year-old’s signing raises questions about the future of backup goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, as he is expected to finalize his medical and join Chelsea on tour.
Nineteen-year-old defender Aaron Anselmino is anticipated to sign a six-year contract with Chelsea and subsequently be loaned back to Boca Juniors.
Chalobah, who captained Chelsea’s development team in a friendly against Boreham Wood on Saturday, was left surprised by his exclusion from the tour. The 25-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from clubs within the Premier League and abroad.
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