Napoli have confirmed the permanent signing of Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku for a reported £30m fee.
The Belgium international was part of a group of Blues players who were told they had no future at Stamford Bridge earlier this summer. Having spent last season on loan at Roma, Lukaku was keen on a return to Italy and soon emerged as a target for the 2022/23 Serie A title winners. He will now link up with former manager Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Lukaku’s transfer is now complete, as the two clubs have agreed on a fee, sending him to his third Italian team after previously playing for Inter and Roma.
While one of the most prolific strikers in modern international football with 85 goals in 119 Belgium matches, the 31-year-old has largely struggled for consistency at club level.
Chelsea signed Lukaku in 2011 after spotting his talent at Anderlecht, and he impressed during loan seasons with West Bromwich Albion and Everton before making his move to Goodison Park permanent.
Chelsea are now pursuing Victor Osimhen, but the 25-year-old’s future remains uncertain with just 24 hours left in the transfer window. Osimhen is pushing for a move to Chelsea, but the Blues are refusing to pay his release clause and are instead negotiating a loan move with a buy obligation. Meanwhile, Osimhen is also considering a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, but he prefers to stay in Europe.
