Napoli are open to including Romelu Lukaku in discussions with Chelsea over Victor Osimhen, with the Serie A side keen to wrap up a move for the Belgium striker.
Lukaku is due to return to training at Chelsea’s base in Cobham this week having spent two seasons on loan at Inter and Roma. It is understood that the 31-year-old will train alongside those squad members who have not travelled to the United States for the club’s tour, including defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has been made available for transfer.
Lukaku has two years of his contract remaining after re-signing for a club record £97.5m in 2021 and has reportedly agreed a three-year deal with Napoli. However Chelsea are believed to be holding out for about £30m and remain in negotiations with the Italian club, who must sell Osimhen to fund moves in the market.
Paris Saint-Germain had been considered the frontrunners to sign the Nigeria striker but talks with Napoli are believed to have stalled. Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has set a release clause of about €130m (£110m) for Osimhen, who has been training separately from the rest of Antonio Conte’s squad and is yet to feature in their pre-season games.
Chelsea have a longstanding interest in the 25-year-old after he helped Napoli end their 33-year wait to become Italian champions in 2023. Club sources have previously indicated they would not be willing to pay his release clause, but the opportunity to offload Lukaku from their wage bill could potentially help finance a move for Osimhen.
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Filip Jorgensen after agreeing a €24m (£20.2m) fee with Villarreal for the goalkeeper. The 22-year-old, whose arrival casts doubt over the future of the back-up Djordje Petrovic, is due to complete his medical and join Chelsea on tour.
Aaron Anselmino, a 19-year-old defender, is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge and be loaned back to Boca Juniors.
Chalobah captained Chelsea’s development side in a friendly against Boreham Wood on Saturday, a few hours before Enzo Maresca’s side were thumped 4-1 by Celtic in Indiana. The 25-year-old, who was shocked by his omission from the tour, is understood to have interest from the Premier League and abroad.
Tottenham have sent Bryan Gil on loan to Girona for the season.
