Chelsea Football Club has clarified that there are no ongoing negotiations with Napoli regarding a potential swap deal involving Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku. The club has firmly set a £38 million release clause for any team interested in signing Lukaku during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Background on Lukaku’s Transfer Situation
Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian striker, has been the subject of various transfer speculations following his return from a loan spell at AS Roma. During his time in the Serie A, Lukaku’s performances sparked interest from several clubs, leading to rumours about his future at Chelsea.
Chelsea officially announced a £38 million price tag for Lukaku on May 11, 2024, indicating their valuation of the player and their expectations from potential buyers. This move by Chelsea comes amidst Lukaku’s own ambiguous statements regarding his future in professional football, with mentions of his experiences at AS Roma and uncertainties about where he will play next season.
Lukaku’s Recent Comments and Performance
Earlier in March, Lukaku had playfully commented on his performances in the Premier League, which followed more serious discussions about his career trajectory post his loan. On March 7, 2024, he openly discussed the uncertainties surrounding his future, reflecting on his time with AS Roma and the possibilities of staying at Chelsea or moving to another club.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea’s stance on the financial terms of Lukaku’s departure is clear, potentially setting the stage for further developments in the transfer market.