Napoli are facing some competition to sign Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, as Aston Villa are going after him and are willing to meet the sellers’ request. On the other hand, the striker has refused for now since he wants to reunite with Antonio Conte, Il Mattino informs.
The Belgian talisman keeps practicing on his own and won’t join the rest of the group for a few more days. There’s a €44M release clause in his contract, but the Azzurri believe they’ll be able to purchase him for a lot less.
Chelsea are starting to lose patience with Lukaku amid the impasse with Napoli and will pressure him to go to Aston Villa. The Partenopei can’t act on their interest until they sell Victor Osimhen. A partial swap between the two, with the Italian side getting considerable cash consideration, has been rumored but doesn’t have much traction.
Sporting director Giovanni Manna addressed the star to Radio CRC (via Sportitalia) after a friendly against Brest, which he sat out once again.
“We’ve read many things in the last few days. We’re focused on building the team at the moment. His situation is pretty clear: he’s our player and is a little behind conditioning-wise now. We’re working on those who will take part in the first official matches. We’re serene and concentrated. The team comes before the singles.”
Our Take on Lukaku, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Napoli
It has taken time and patience in previous windows, but his stubbornness has always eventually led to his preferred result.
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