Napoli fail with Chelsea Lukaku transfer talks

Chelsea are no closer to resolving the future of Romelu Lukaku as negotiations continue with Napoli over a transfer for the unwanted striker.

Lukaku is part of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ who are training away from the first team after being told they are not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans this season.

Napoli have held the strongest interest in Lukaku but a deal has proven complicated while Victor Osimhen’s future also remains uncertain, with the Nigerian also yet to secure a move away from the Italian side.

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The insistence of Antonio Conte to close a deal for Lukaku has led to Napoli engaging in face-to-face talks with Chelsea’s representatives this week to thrash out a deal.

However, according to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the first round of talks between the two sides was unsuccessful, with no resolution reached.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna met with Chelsea in London but the meeting was described as ‘complicated’ due to the differences regarding the ‘formula’ of the transfer, however the two parties will meet again and continue discussions.

Osimhen proving to be issue for Napoli

Lukaku has no future at Chelsea, having spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie A, and ex-Inter boss Conte is keen to reunite with his former striker once again in Naples.

Chelsea have been holding out for €40 million for the Belgian but no team has been willing to come close to their asking price, with the Blues hoping to finally permanently part ways with Lukaku.

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Maresca’s men have held a long-standing interest in Osimhen and it was initially felt that a swap deal between the pair could be negotiated, however the Napoli star’s wages have proven to be a stumbling block.

Paris Saint-Germain have also seen talks for the striker collapse in part due to Osimhen’s wage demands but Napoli believe a solution will be found before the end of the month.

Lukaku is Napoli’s top target to replace Osimhen and it is likely the Serie A giants could make a last-minute move for the Chelsea man closer to the deadline, meaning the deal could go to the wire for both sides.