Napoli representatives head to London today (August 22, 2024) for crucial talks with Chelsea about two potential summer transfer deals.
The Italian club is in talks with the Blues about signing Romelu Lukaku, while Chelsea wants Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen.
Napoli, coached by former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who previously worked with Lukaku, made their first formal proposal for the striker on Monday.
They have offered to loan Lukaku with the option to purchase for £25.5 million, but Chelsea prefer a permanent sell closer to the Belgian’s £36 million release clause.
While Napoli’s opening offer hasn’t been accepted – Chelsea are very much open to discussing the terms and conditions of the deal – given that the 31-year-old hasn’t featured for them in over two years and they want him off the books.
Chelsea’s openness to continue negotiations, and Napoli’s desire to get the deal done, sees chiefs from both clubs set for a showdown meeting in London today.
That’s according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who adds that Napoli want the Lukaku deal done before they discuss Osimhen’s possible sale.
Osimhen has conjured up 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games for Napoli to date across all competitions.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international moved to Napoli from French side Lille four years ago and helped them clinch the Serie A title in 2023.
Osimhen was crowned both Serie A Footballer of the Year and African Footballer of the Year last year.
It is believed that Napoli want £85m to part ways with their star striker, although there are added complications for Chelsea, after Arsenal reignited their interest.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to recruit a new centre-forward to aid in their Premier League title challenge, having narrowly missed out on the trophy to Manchester City for two seasons in a row.
There may soon be added money in the bank, too, with current striker Eddie Nketiah believed to be on the verge of joining Nottingham Forest for £30m.