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Despite interest from other clubs, Romelu Lukaku is determined to replace Victor Osimhen at Napoli
Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has reportedly turned down a move to Aston Villa in favour of reuniting with his former Inter coach Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Despite Chelsea agreeing on a fee with Villa, Lukaku's desire to work with Conte again means his focus is solely on a move to the Serie A champions.
Lukaku's desire to reunite with Conte at Napoli
Lukaku, who has had two separate loan spells in Serie A with Inter and Roma, is not part of Chelsea's future plans, but both Inter and Roma have decided against making moves for him, leaving the striker to seek a new club.
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With a €35 million asking price set by Chelsea, Napoli has emerged as Lukaku's preferred destination.
Reports from Radio CRC and Il Mattino newspaper in Italy indicate that Chelsea had agreed on a transfer fee with Aston Villa for Lukaku, however, the former Everton man blocked the move without even negotiating personal terms, as he is set on rejoining Conte at Napoli.
Osimhen move delaying Lukaku transfer
Napoli faces a significant challenge in signing Lukaku without first selling their star striker, Victor Osimhen.
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The Nigerian forward has a €120 million release clause in his contract, and while no club has yet met that price, Paris Saint-Germain is considered the frontrunner for his signature.
There is also a possibility that Chelsea could be involved in a deal for Osimhen, which could facilitate Lukaku's move to Napoli.
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Napoli also hope that Chelsea will lower their demands for Lukaku, knowing that the striker is determined to join them and the former Serie A champions are confident they can secure their favoured target at a reduced price.
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