Cheslea have reportedly agreed a deal with Aston Villa for Romelu Lukaku, who is also wanted by Napoli.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Following his £97.5 million ($124.9m) return to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2021, seven years after he departed the Blues, Lukaku’s future is a huge concern for Chelsea for the third summer in a row as the Belgian striker has failed to make a mark on the club. The Blues are now looking to move him on on a permanent deal following two straight loans with Inter Milan and Roma.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Italian publication Il Mattino (via CalcioNapoli24) has now reported that Aston Villa and Chelsea have agreed terms over a move for Lukaku as the Blues want to offload the Belgian as soon as possible due to his £325,000-per-week wages. However, the report suggests that the striker is not interested in a move to Birmingham as he waits for Napoli.
DID YOU KNOW?
Napoli and Chelsea have been in talks over a move for Lukaku as new Gli Azzurri boss Antonio Conte wants to sign a reliable striker, with Victor Osimhen linked with a move the other way. However, Chelsea are ‘losing patience’ with the Serie A side as they have been delaying the move.
WHAT NEXT FOR LUKAKU?
Chelsea reportedly wanted to have Lukaku’s future sorted before the start of their United States pre-season tour. However, they now would like the matter wrapped up before the start of the Premier League season, with Manchester City visiting Stamford Bridge on August 18.
