Reports from Sky Sport Italia indicate that {statorium_team tid=8 text="Chelsea"} is standing firm on their valuation of {statorium_player pid=184 sid=321 text="Romelu Lukaku"}, insisting on a fee no less than £37 million (approximately €43 million) for the {statorium_team tid=377 sid=321 text="Belgian"} striker. Despite speculation suggesting a lower asking price, Chelsea remains resolute in their stance as they prepare for potential negotiations during the summer transfer window.
Both {statorium_team tid=96 text="AC Milan"} and {statorium_team tid=103 text="Napoli"} have expressed interest in signing Lukaku, but each club faces unique challenges in securing his services. Milan, who are already in a position to invest in a new center forward, appear more prepared to pursue Lukaku immediately. On the other hand, Napoli may need to offload {statorium_player pid=4253 text="Victor Osimhen"} to accommodate the acquisition of Lukaku, complicating their ability to meet Chelsea's financial demands.
Italian Clubs' Hope for Lukaku's Price Reduction
While initial rumors hinted at a possible reduction in Lukaku's price tag to around €30 million, recent reports from Sky Italia suggest that Chelsea's asking price remains closer to €40 million (£37 million). This discrepancy in valuation has created a cautious optimism among Milan and Napoli, both of whom are unwilling to meet Chelsea's current demands.
Sky Sport Italia suggests that Milan could adopt a patient approach by waiting until later in the transfer window to pursue Lukaku, possibly seeking a loan deal similar to Roma's strategy from the previous season. However, such a strategy hinges on various factors, including the availability of alternatives and the willingness of Chelsea to reconsider their valuation as the transfer window progresses.
Milan's Strategic Considerations and Napoli's Transfer Dilemma
Milan, under the guidance of head coach Paulo Fonseca, may explore alternative options if the Lukaku pursuit extends into the latter stages of the transfer window. Fonseca's decision-making will likely be influenced by the urgency of securing a center forward to strengthen Milan's squad for upcoming competitions.
Meanwhile, Napoli's pursuit of Lukaku is contingent upon their ability to resolve the situation with Victor Osimhen, whose departure would facilitate the arrival of the Belgian striker. The Partenopei are carefully monitoring developments, with a keen interest in any potential shift in Chelsea's asking price as negotiations unfold.