Napoli are keen to bring Romelu Lukaku to Italy under the guidance of their new manager Antonio Conte, but they face stiff competition from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, who have also expressed a strong interest in signing the prolific striker.
Lukaku has been the subject of much speculation recently, with his potential transfer dominating football discussions. The Belgian forward returned to Stamford Bridge after a productive loan spell with Roma, where he netted 21 goals in 47 appearances, showcasing his consistent goal-scoring ability.
Chelsea have set a €44 million price tag for Lukaku, indicating that the striker is not expected to remain in West London next season. The club is open to negotiations, and several teams are vying for the opportunity to secure his services.
Meanwhile, Conte, who is now at Napoli, is eager to reunite with Lukaku, aiming to bring him in as a replacement for Victor Osimhen, who has been tipped for a move away from Italy. Conte's previous collaboration with Lukaku at Inter Milan proved highly successful, and he is confident that the striker will be a crucial addition to Napoli's squad.
Napoli have already prepared an initial offer for the striker. “Napoli are serious about Lukaku,” a source close to the negotiations revealed to Football Italia. “Conte sees him as a key part of his plans and is determined to bring him to Naples.”
According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna is set to engage in talks with Chelsea soon to finalize a deal. Manna's objective is to negotiate terms that will satisfy both clubs and secure Lukaku's move to Napoli.
However, the situation is complicated by Al-Ittihad’s interest. The Saudi club, backed by substantial financial resources from the Public Investment Fund, is prepared to make a competitive offer to lure Lukaku to the Middle East. Their financial strength could pose a significant challenge to Napoli’s efforts to sign the striker.
In addition to Napoli and Al-Ittihad, AC Milan had also shown interest in Lukaku. However, recent reports suggest that the striker is not a priority for the Milanese club at this stage, allowing Napoli and Al-Ittihad to lead the race for his signature.