Chelsea are prepared to offer Napoli a discount in talks to sell the Serie A side unwanted striker Romelu Lukaku, with discussions taking a “positive” turn.
This week, Standard Sport journalist Nick Purewal backed reports that Chelsea negotiations over a deal for Osimhen with Lukaku going the other way have been resurrected – following their botched move for Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.
The prospect of a striker swap between the clubs has been mooted since late last month, with reliable journalist Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport even claiming Lukaku has agreed a pay cut so he can leave Chelsea for Napoli.
However, since then, it has been claimed that Osimhen isn’t keen on the idea of a loan move and wants a permanent new home (Fabrizio Romano), with Chelsea and Napoli now seemingly trying to find the best solution.
An agreement on the price for Lukaku may well be key for Chelsea to strike a deal for the highly-rated Osimhen to come the other way, with Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio now sharing an update on the matter.
As per the reporter, Chelsea are prepared to lower their demands over selling Lukaku to Napoli, with Antonio Conte’s side already making a £26 million bid for him.
The west Londoners originally wanted his full £37 million clause paid, but their stance is now softening, as Chelsea also attempt to get Lukaku’s £325,000-per-week wages off their books before deadline day.
Di Marzio adds that Chelsea and Napoli will remain in constant contact over the coming days, with both sides looking to reach a compromise and finally agree a transfer.
