Napoli
have signed Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, setting up a reunion
with former manager Antonio Conte.
The Serie A side have paid a fixed fee of £25.2m (€30m) for Lukaku after
hurdles involving image rights were resolved last week to pave the way for
his return to Italy.
The 31-year-old has not played for the Blues for more than two years,
spending the last two seasons on loan with Inter Milan and then Roma.
Conte and Lukaku worked together at Inter, where across two seasons he
scored 64 goals in 95 games across all competitions.
That convinced the Blues to re-sign him for a then club-record fee of £97.5m
in 2021 - but he managed only 26 Premier League games and eight goals during
his second spell at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku netted 21 times in 47 games for Roma last season, helping them reach
the Europa League semi-finals.
Crunch time in Chelsea striker search
Chelsea are now searching for a striker before Friday's deadline after
Lukaku's exit to Napoli was confirmed.
Sky Sports News reported the Blues were still in talks for Victor Osimhen,
with one source stating "everybody is talking to everybody" as Saudi Pro
League side Al Ahli also try to sign the player.
Sky Italy have reported the Nigeria international was offered a €120m
(£101m) four-year contract by Al Ahli - but he is yet to make a decision
regarding his future.
The Blues have previously insisted on a loan move for Osimhen but will now
consider a temporary deal with an obligation to buy him.
Chelsea make Toney move
Another striker Chelsea are interested in signing is Brentford's Ivan Toney.
The Blues are after a proven goalscorer to lead the line and the England
international has not featured in the matchday squad for Brentford's opening
three fixtures in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
Sky Sports News reported the 28-year-old has become a target due to his
goalscoring record in the top flight of English football, relatively low
wages and the fact he has just one year remaining on his contract.
Any deal for Toney will only occur if the transfer fee and wages are at a
reasonable level.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank refused to comment on Toney's future at the club
following their 1-0 win against Colchester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday
evening. "Similar stand to yesterday. I am not speaking about Ivan," Frank
insisted.
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