Chelsea-owned striker Romelu Lukaku is already taking instructions from Napoli coach Antonio Conte while they wait for the club to find a new home for current centre-forward Victor Osimhen, according to reports in Italy.
Conte already in conversation with Lukaku
Following reports from Sky Sport Italia and TMW, Conte and his staff have already included Lukaku in their plans for the 2024-25 season and have given him some instructions while the rest of the team conduct their pre-season training.
Lukaku is not currently with Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, as he was not selected, as was the case for Italy talent Cesare Casadei.
Napoli and Chelsea have been in contact throughout the summer to discuss a move for the Belgian striker. The Londoners had originally been seeking a fee of €44m, but are now prepared to let the player leave for close to €35m, while the Paretnopei hope to wrap a deal up in the region of €25m.
Lukaku is also ready to take a significant pay cut to reunite with his former coach this summer, as he has reportedly agreed a package on personal terms worth around €6m per season, down from the reported €11m he earns on his contract at Stamford Bridge.