“Impossible” for Chelsea star to stay and transfer could accelerate soon, claims expert

It looks “impossible” for Romelu Lukaku to stay at Chelsea and it’s possible that a transfer deal with Napoli could accelerate soon, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Lukaku remains a priority target for new Napoli manager Antonio Conte, while the Belgium international also has a three-year contract ready with the Serie A giants.

The Lukaku deal has taken some time to be completed, and there had even been some speculation suggesting it couldn’t go through if Napoli are unable to sell current striker Victor Osimhen.

However, Romano insists that Lukaku potentially joining Napoli does not depend on Osimhen, so it’s clear the Italian journalist is very confident that the 31-year-old will eventually end up finalising his exit from Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku went out on loan to Roma last season, and to Inter Milan the year before that, so it certainly would have been a surprise if Enzo Maresca had found a way back for him into the Chelsea first-team this term.

Lukaku transfer: Chelsea stay looks “impossible”, according to Romano

“Lukaku will not stay at Chelsea. Impossible,” Romano said.

“I keep saying it’s Napoli for Lukaku, regardless of the Osimhen story. Conte wants him, he wants to work with Conte, a three-year deal is ready and Napoli can accelerate soon. I don’t see any other option.”

Lukaku may have flopped at Chelsea, but he’s done well in his various spells in Serie A and should be an ideal signing for Conte at Napoli.

The pair worked well together at Inter, and one imagines this is the ideal scenario for Lukaku to get back to his best and put this difficult spell with the Blues behind him.

Napoli fans may be disappointed at the likely sale of Osimhen, but Lukaku should end up being a fine replacement for the Nigeria international up front.