Napoli have agreed to a €30 million deal with Chelsea to sign Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Serie A giants have had previous bids rejected, but the two clubs have now reached an agreement.
Napoli had shown greater willingness to meet Chelsea’s asking price, with discussions focused on how they would structure the payment in installments rather than paying the full sum upfront.
Romelu Lukaku has been training separately from Chelsea’s senior squad at Cobham, alongside other players not in the club’s plans, as he awaited clarity on his future.
The 31-year-old striker, who scored 15 goals in 44 appearances for Chelsea during the 2021-22 season, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma.
Lukaku has expressed no desire to return to Chelsea, and the club is eager to finalise his departure permanently.
Romano posted on X: “Romelu Lukaku to Napoli, here we go!
“Verbal agreement in place between clubs.
“Chelsea accept €30m fixed fee plus add-ons up to €15m for €45m potential package.
“Permanent transfer brokered by Ali Barat for Epic Sports.
“Lukaku will sign 3 year deal at Napoli until 2027.”
Earlier this summer, Chelsea sought to sign powerful centre-forward Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, but the deal ultimately fell through. Instead,
Chelsea secured the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
Although Felix can play as a striker, he has predominantly spent his career as an attacking midfielder or wide player.
Maresca has stated that Felix will be physically prepared to play against Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday.
“In terms of knowing the way we want to play? Probably not yet,” said Maresca.
“In terms of physicality?
“I think he is ready because he was already playing games there [at Atletico Madrid].
“He needs more time to understand the way we want to play but overall I think he can play.
“For me, he can do that [No 9 role] fantastically, dropping in and giving us an extra man when we need more passes, more possession.
“Then, to find the right moment to attack, he can do that very well.
“He can play as an attacking midfielder, if we need.
“He can play also outside. He can play in different positions.”
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