Chelsea slap £37 million price tag on star player wanted by AC Milan and Napoli - Reports
Chelsea have reportedly insisted they will not drop from their £37 million valuation of striker Romelu Lukaku. This comes in the wake of a report from Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio claiming that AC Milan and Napoli are interested in signing the Belgian.
The Blues seem keen to get rid of the 31-year-old after he signed from Inter Milan in the summer of 2021 for a massive fee of £97.5 million. Following a mediocre first campaign upon his return to Stamford Bridge, he rejoined the Nerazzurri on loan for the 2022-23 season.
He was then sent out on loan once to AS Roma last season. Lukaku had a decent campaign with the Giallorossi, scoring 21 goals and setting up four more in 47 appearances across competitions.
AC Milan are looking for reinforcements in attack and Lukaku, who has performed well in Italy with different clubs, would be a solid addition. The report claims the Rossoneri are already in negotiations with Chelsea, who refuse to budge from their £37 million valuation.
Napoli have also entered the fray for the Belgium striker. They recently hired Antonio Conte as manager, with whom Lukaku has worked with previously. Conte hinted at Napoli's interest in signing him, saying about the forward (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
“He’s an excellent player, top player. There’s nothing else to say.”
“You always hope to have a player like Romelu on your side… and not against you,” he added.
With rumors of star attacker Victor Osimhen possibly leaving Napoli, Lukaku would be an adequate replacement for the Nigerian.
Promoted Premier League side close to club-record fee to sign Chelsea attacker
Ipswich Town are reportedly set to sign Chelsea attacker Omari Hutchinson. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Tractor Boys are set to sign the 20-year-old on a permanent deal for a club-record package of £22.5 million.
Hutchinson spent the last campaign on loan with Ipswich. The youngster was impressive for the side who completed back-to-back promotions, scoring 11 goals and setting up six more in 50 appearances across competitions.
He began his youth career at Chelsea, eventually moving to Charlton Athletic and Arsenal before returning to Stamford Bridge in 2022. The Blues have included a sell-on clause in the deal while they are also expected to pay a portion of the transfer fee to the Gunners.
It could be a good move for the youngster who may have struggled to get game time at Chelsea, going up against the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku.