Though Napoli are one step away from completing the signing of David Neres from Benfica, Antonio Conte’s main target is still former Inter and Roma striker Romelu Lukaku, who remains out of the picture at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca.
In fact, according to Saturday’s updates, Napoli are now exploring ways to sign Lukaku, even if they are unable to arrange a sale of 2023-24 talisman Victor Osimhen.
Where Napoli stand with Lukaku and Osimhen
Napoli had been hoping to secure a big-money sale of the Nigeria international this summer, who has a release clause in his recently re-negotiated contract that stands at €130m.
However, no clubs have yet stepped forwards with an official offer for Osimhen, despite rumours of serious interest from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year.
Interest from the Premier League, namely from Arsenal and Chelsea, has also died down, particularly for the latter, who are on the verge of signing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.
With suitors for Osimhen seemingly drying up, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that there is a serious possibility Napoli begin the Serie A season with both Osimhen and Lukaku among their squad.
Napoli are insistent they do not want to pay over €30m for the 31-year-old striker, while Chelsea are still pushing for a €43m due to their €115m investment to bring him back from Inter in 2021.
#Calciomercato | David #Neres resta un obiettivo forte per il #Napoli ma la priorità è #Lukaku. Gli azzurri vorrebbero anticipare l'arrivo dell'attaccante belga: le cifre e i dettagli https://t.co/ED7cfjCGlX
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 10, 2024