A turbulent spell at Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku could come to an end with a transfer that will have a considerable impact on another of Chelsea’s long-term transfer pursuits.
In truth, Chelsea and Lukaku have been desperate for a parting, with the Belgian striker sent out on back-to-back loans in Italy over the past two seasons.
But the Blues’ opening valuation had stuck the situation.
Reports in Italy yesterday indicated that a deal with Napoli is close to being completed, with the Serie A side shelling out €25 million plus bonuses for Lukaku.
Indeed, Lukaku has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, his former coach at Chelsea and Inter Milan.
Lukaku has been on Napoli’s radar in the closing summer, but the deal held up due to Chelsea’s valuation and doubts over Victor Osimhen’s exit in the summer.
Offers for the Nigerian forward were not sounding the club to buy at the amount they intended to sign him with.
However, now it looks like the player is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-German (PSG).
Also Read: Chelsea Eyes Osimhen: Fresh Talks With Napoli Star Imminent
PSG has started negotiations with Napoli for a deal for Osimhen, with the potential transfer possibly including a player exchange that would take the players Carlos Soler, Nordi Mukiele, or Lee Kang in the opposite direction to Napoli.
Napoli has always insisted on a figure close to the €100 million mark for Osimhen, and at a given point, Chelsea was one of the favorites to take him in the transfer.
However, Chelsea’s interest has somewhat lowered due to the hefty price tag that he comes with.
PSG desperately needs to replace star forward Kylian Mbappe and recently held face-to-face talks with Osimhen’s agent.
These talks are at an advanced stage because the French giants are now ready to make an offer for the 25-year-old striker.
Any development of the deal for Osimhen will fast-track Lukaku to Napoli, with PSG maybe having to sell another forward, probably Goncalo Ramos, to that effect.
The sales of Lukaku to Napoli and Osimhen to PSG are two undercurrent events, and this is what defines that the transfer market today is so complex.
Chelsea, Napoli, and PSG are all currently doing their best to secure something advantageous for their clubs through these negotiations.
