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Ben AshtonPublished Aug 12, 2024, 5:10pm|Updated Aug 12, 2024, 5:11pm
Napoli have made an official transfer bid for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a move back to Serie A after spending the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma.
New Napoli manager Antonio Conte has made signing the Belgium international a top priority this summer.
Personal terms had reportedly already been agreed between the Italian club and Lukaku last month.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Napoli have now made a formal offer today worth £25million plus £5million in add-ons for Lukaku.
However, the bid falls below Chelsea’s £35m valuation of the player and it’s thought they are unlikely to accept those terms.
Chelsea are not interested in sending Lukaku on loan for a third season in a row and want to secure a permanent deal.
Lukaku has already indicated his desire to join up with former Chelsea boss Conte and is even willing to take a pay cut to do so.
He is set to earn around £97,000-a-week before performance-related bonuses if the deal goes through.
But if bosses at Stamford Bridge reject Napoli’s approach, it could leave them struggling to offload Lukaku.
The Azzuri were previously thought to not want to buy Lukaku until Victor Osimhen was sold but have now changed their stance.
They have also indicated they are willing to divert attentions to Benfica forward David Neres if no agreement can be reached with Chelsea.
Paris Saint-Germain have held talks over Osimhen with Napoli – who aren’t willing to budge on the Nigerian’s £110.8m release clause – but haven’t agreed on a fee.
Chelsea’s deal for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion also collapsed yesterday and the club have turned their attentions to Joao Felix instead.
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