Reports indicate that Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian striker is determined to reunite with Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Lukaku, who is no longer part of Chelsea’s plans after loan spells with Inter and Roma—both of which did not lead to permanent transfers—wants to work with his former Inter coach Conte once more. However, Napoli is unwilling to meet Chelsea’s €35 million asking price.
According to Radio CRC and Il Mattino, while Chelsea and Aston Villa have agreed on a fee, Lukaku has blocked the move, refusing to even discuss personal terms.
Lukaku is committed to joining Napoli and is not considering other offers this summer. Napoli is hopeful they can persuade Chelsea to lower their demands, but they cannot finalize the deal until Victor Osimhen is sold. Despite interest in Osimhen, no one has approached his €120 million release clause.
There is a possibility that Osimhen could move to Chelsea as part of the Lukaku transfer, but Paris Saint-Germain remains the leading contender for the Nigerian striker.
Belgium
