Romelu Lukaku’s Potential Move to Napoli: A Deal That Could Shape the Transfer Market

In a surprising turn of events, Napoli are reportedly open to including Romelu Lukaku in discussions with Chelsea over Victor Osimhen. The Serie A club appears keen to secure the services of the Belgian striker, who has had a turbulent time at Chelsea since his £97.5m move in 2021. As per The Guardian, “Napoli are open to including Romelu Lukaku in discussions with Chelsea over Victor Osimhen”, signalling a potential swap deal that could reshape both clubs’ futures.

Lukaku’s Return to Cobham

Lukaku is set to return to training at Chelsea’s Cobham base, following two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and AS Roma. He will join a select group of players, including Trevoh Chalobah, who haven’t traveled to the United States for the club’s pre-season tour. Chalobah, who captained Chelsea’s development side against Boreham Wood, “has been made available for transfer” after being left out of the tour squad, which also saw a heavy 4-1 defeat against Celtic in Indiana.

Financial Complexities and Osimhen’s Future

Lukaku’s contract with Chelsea has two years remaining, but his future seems uncertain. The Guardian reports that Chelsea are holding out for a fee around £30m for the striker, as Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has set a steep release clause of approximately €130m (£110m) for Osimhen. The Nigerian forward has been training separately from the rest of the squad and is yet to feature in their pre-season games, raising questions about his future at the club.

Chelsea’s Transfer Moves: Jorgensen and Anselmino

Chelsea are also closing in on a deal for Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, agreeing on a €24m (£20.2m) fee for the 22-year-old goalkeeper. His arrival could spell uncertainty for back-up keeper Djordje Petrovic. Additionally, the Blues are expected to sign 19-year-old defender Aaron Anselmino, who will be loaned back to Boca Juniors upon signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Our View – EPL Index

From an excited football fan’s perspective, the potential inclusion of Romelu Lukaku in a deal for Victor Osimhen is a thrilling prospect. Lukaku’s physical presence and proven goal-scoring ability in Serie A could provide Napoli with a direct replacement for Osimhen. However, concerns arise over the Belgian’s inconsistent form and injury record, which could pose a risk for the Italian side.

For Chelsea supporters, this move might be viewed with cautious optimism. Offloading Lukaku would free up significant wages, potentially facilitating a move for the dynamic Osimhen, who has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League. His speed, agility, and clinical finishing could be the spark Chelsea needs to reignite their attack.

Nevertheless, the financial intricacies involved in this deal, particularly Osimhen’s hefty release clause, could be a sticking point. The Guardian notes that “Club sources have previously indicated they would not be willing to pay his release clause,” making it a challenging negotiation.

In conclusion, while the potential swap deal brings excitement and possibilities, it also carries risks and uncertainties. As the transfer window progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes negotiation unfolds.