MX23RW : Tuesday, March 11 08:04:17| >> :120:34484:34484:

Napoli, AC Milan given hope in pursuit of £25m Premier League striker?

Osimhen replacement? £25m Premier League striker 'edging closer' to Italian move
© Reuters
Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku is reportedly willing to discuss a summer move to AC Milan or Napoli, with the Belgian's future set to be away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly prepared to open talks with Napoli and AC Milan over a potential summer move.

The former Manchester United attacker is currently leading the line for Belgium at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the Red Devils unconvincingly escaped Group E in second place to reach the round of 16.

Despite being backed by many to rival the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe for the tournament's Golden Boot, Lukaku is yet to register a goal after three matches, however he has seen two goals ruled out by VAR.

Mostly under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, the 31-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign at Roma during 2023-24, firing in 13 goals and setting up teammates thrice in 32 Serie A contests.

With the move to the Giallorossi only being a temporary one, Lukaku is now back at Stamford Bridge, awaiting the latest transfer of his increasingly-nomadic career.

Roma's Romelu Lukaku walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury on April 18, 2024© Reuters

Napoli, AC Milan handed boost in Lukaku race?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport - via Football Italia - Lukaku is willing to discuss a transfer to both Napoli and AC Milan ahead of a possible switch back to Italy this summer.

The 118-time international has already spent three years at San Siro in the colours of Inter Milan, firing in 78 goals, particularly thriving under the leadership of Antonio Conte.

He is now in charge at Napoli, who are understood to be keen on a move for Lukaku, however the deal's progression hinges on a major departure from Naples.

The 2023 Serie A champions would only pursue a move for the Chelsea man should leading marksman and talisman Victor Osimhen depart this summer.

Adding further complexity to the situation, it is believed that the West London Blues are only interested in offloading Lukaku permanently, valuing the striker at around €30m (£25.4m).

Roma's Gianluca Mancini celebrates with Romelu Lukaku after the match on April 6, 2024© Reuters

Lukaku still has plenty to offer at an elite level

Despite being heavily criticised throughout his career - especially during his spell on the red side of Manchester - there is a reason why top European clubs are circling around Lukaku this summer.

Blatantly obvious to any viewers of Belgium's opening three matches at Euro 2024, the 31-year-old provides a unique focal point for his nation's attack, with his bulldozing approach a rarity in the modern game at an elite level.

It is needless to say that his finishing leaves a lot to be desired at times, however what Lukaku can do well should steal more of the headlines as opposed to his shortcomings.

Looking to bag his maiden goal of the tournament, Lukaku will aim to break French hearts when Belgian face Didier Deschamps's side in the round of 16 on Monday evening.

ID:546981:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5368:
Written by
Carter White

Romelu Lukaku future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Romelu Lukaku

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
England's Harry Kane and manager Gareth Southgate after the match on June 25, 2024
Read Next:
From believers to underachievers: England among Euro 2024's worst performers so far
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal281510352242855
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest28156745331251
4Chelsea28147753361749
5Manchester CityMan City28145953381547
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton28121064640646
8Aston Villa2912984145-445
9Bournemouth28128847341344
10Fulham2811984138342
11Crystal Palace2810993633339
12Brentford28115124844438
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs281041455411434
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd2897123440-634
15Everton2871293135-433
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2896133248-1633
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2865173857-1923
18Ipswich TownIpswich2838172658-3217
19Leicester CityLeicester2845192562-3717
20Southampton2823232068-489


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!