New Delhi: Romelu Lukaku’s move from Chelsea to Napoli was confirmed on Thursday by the Serie A club after months of uncertainty over the Belgian striker’s future. Lukaku will eventually join Napoli for an initial price of £25.2m. Napoli manager Antonio Conte was the most interested in the 31-year-old.
Under Conte, Lukaku had enjoyed a fantastic stint with Inter Milan between 2019-21. Lukaku scored 24 goals in 2020-21 as the club won Serie A, and it was this form that led to Chelsea re-hiring Lukaku in 2021 for £97.5m. However, for the most part of his stay at Chelsea, Lukaku has spent two loan stints, one with Inter side and then at AS Roma. Lukaku last played for Chelsea back in May 2022. He has been quite impressive at the Serie A league. For the most part this season, Lukaku, along with Kepa Arrizabalaga, has been training separately from the senior team for most part of the pre-season.
Romelu is proud to be one of us!
💙 #ProudToBeNapoli | #ForzaNapoliSempre | #WelcomeLukaku pic.twitter.com/Z4R4x4LVkz
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) August 29, 2024
Conte has already mentioned that Lukaku is likely to make his Napoli debut in Saturday’s game Parma. Chelsea on the other hand have been confident that Victor Osimhen will be convinced to join the the Premier League at a price within their salary structure. Osimhen, however, has been made a good offer from Al-Ahli and another expected move from Paris Saint-Germain.
For Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, a striker has been prime concern. The Blues have been looking for a player who can press long with Nicolas Jackson, who is one of the only no.9 with experience in this Chelsea squad. There were rumours for Brentford’s Ivan Toney but nothing so far has been confirmed. Chelsea are currently trying to work out a deal with Jadon Sancho who already has an option of a loan to Juventus.
The Belgian midfielder has secured his move back to Serie A after two spending two seasons on loan from Chelsea. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
