Napoli is on the brink of securing a deal for David Neres from Benfica, a move that will strengthen their attacking options. However, despite the imminent arrival of the Brazilian winger, the Italian club remains focused on acquiring Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker, who has fallen out of favor at Chelsea under the management of Enzo Maresca, is seen as a key addition to Napoli’s squad as they aim to bolster their attack for the upcoming season.
Osimhen’s Future in Limbo as Napoli Contemplates Lukaku Transfer
Napoli’s pursuit of Lukaku has been complicated by the uncertainty surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future. The Nigerian forward, who recently renewed his contract with a €130 million release clause, was expected to attract high-profile suitors this summer. However, despite earlier rumors of strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, no formal bids have been submitted. Interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, has also waned, with Chelsea now reportedly close to signing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion instead.
This lack of movement on Osimhen has led Napoli to explore the possibility of keeping both forwards in their squad. The club initially hoped to sell Osimhen for a substantial fee to finance the Lukaku deal, but with no offers on the table, they are now considering a different approach.
Napoli and Chelsea Locked in Negotiations Over Lukaku Fee
As Napoli contemplates starting the season with both Osimhen and Lukaku, they remain locked in negotiations with Chelsea over the transfer fee for the 31-year-old Belgian. Chelsea, having spent €115 million to bring Lukaku back from Inter in 2021, are pushing for a fee of €43 million to part ways with the striker. Napoli, however, is reluctant to exceed €30 million for the deal, leading to a stalemate in discussions.
Despite the financial challenges, there is a growing possibility that Napoli could begin the Serie A campaign with both Osimhen and Lukaku in their ranks, significantly strengthening their attacking options as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. The situation remains fluid, with Napoli’s transfer strategy potentially hinging on the final outcome of these negotiations.
