Conte calls Lukaku regarding Napoli move
Several sources in Italy claim Antonio Conte has already spoken with Chelsea-owned striker Romelu Lukaku to sound out his availability this summer.
Il Corriere della Sera and Sky Sport transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio report that Conte has already contacted Lukaku to inquire about his availability to join Napoli in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Victor Osimhen is expected to leave for his €130m clause and Conte has identified Lukaku as the ideal replacement for the Nigeria international.
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Napoli confirmed Conte’s appointment on Wednesday morning and the Italian tactician is so eager to reunite with Lukaku that he called him even before the club’s announcement.
However, Sky Sport Italia also adds that an agreement between Chelsea and Napoli is not imminent.
The Partenopei won’t match the Blues’ €44m asking price and will wait for a few weeks to see if his price decreases and, most importantly, if Osimhen really leaves.
Chelsea are among the clubs linked with the Nigerian forward, but Enzo Maresca’s side seem unwilling to discuss a player-plus-cash swap deal involving Lukaku.
Sky Sport Italia and Gazzetta claim Milan are also interested in Lukaku, especially if Chelsea agree to loan him out again this summer.