Napoli keen on Chelsea outcast Lukaku but Saudi club emerges as rival bidder
Napoli are keen to bring Romelu Lukaku to Italy under new manager Antonio Conte, but they face stiff competition from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.
Lukaku has been in the news of recent, with his transfer speculation being the main topic of discussion.
The Blues outcast returned to Stamford Bridge after a productive loan spell with Roma, where he netted 21 goals in 47 appearances.
Chelsea have set a €44 million price tag for the Belgian striker, who is not expected to remain in West London next season.
Napoli insist on Lukaku, but face major competition from Al-Ittihad – Getty image
Meanwhile, Conte, now at Napoli, is eager to reunite with Lukaku to replace Victor Osimhen who has been tipped with a move away from Italy.
Napoli have already prepared an initial offer for the striker. “Napoli are serious about Lukaku,” a source close to the negotiations revealed to Football Italia.
“Conte sees him as a key part of his plans.”
According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna will engage in talks with Chelsea soon to finalize a deal.
However, the situation is complicated by Al-Ittihad’s interest, with the Saudi club having substantial financial backing from the Public Investment Fund.
Milan had also shown interest in Lukaku, but the striker is reportedly not a priority for them at this stage.
