Chelsea transfer news: Napoli confirm permanent deal for Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku's time at Chelsea has finally come to an end after Napoli announced the permanent signing of the forward.

Back in 2021, the Blues had hoped that they had resolved the issues down the centre of their attack with the £97.5m signing of the Inter Milan frontman.

However, despite scoring 15 times in 44 appearances during his first campaign back at Stamford Bridge, an interview venting his frustration over life at Chelsea midway throughout that season proved significant.

Lukaku has since enjoyed successful loan stints at former club Inter and Roma with Chelsea finding it difficult to attract a suitable offer for his signature.

On Thursday afternoon, though, it was confirmed that the Belgium international had return to Italy to represent Napoli, now coached by his former Inter boss Antonio Conte.

Benvenuto Romelu! pic.twitter.com/u5B4hF0y0D

— AurelioDeLaurentiis (@ADeLaurentiis) August 29, 2024

What are Napoli paying for Lukaku?

Although an official fee has not been revealed, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has alleged that Napoli are paying €30m (£25.22m) plus add-ons.

Chelsea initially wanted to recoup in excess of £35m for the 31-year-old as they bid to avoid making a loss in terms of amortisation.

Nevertheless, generating a sum and substantially reducing their wage bill became a priority once it became clear that signing Napoli forward Victor Osimhen as a direct alternative became a possibility.

A transfer involving Osimhen may yet still not materialise, but the feeling is that is has far more chance of happening given the positive resolution over Lukaku's future.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and former prospect Tino Anjorin have also departed Chelsea on Thursday, and more exits will follow in due course.

© Imago

Lukaku returning to a league where he has flourished

Some aspects of Lukaku's game often attract criticism, yet the striker should be viewed as one of the best Serie A frontman over the past five years.

A total of 70 goals and 21 assists have come from 129 appearances with three different clubs, his worst season being 10 strikes from 25 games in 2022-23.

Napoli's hope is that a reunion with Conte will prove pivotal in their efforts to challenge for the title, Lukaku contributing 47 goals from 72 league fixtures under the aforementioned boss between 2019 and 2021.

Most recently, 21 goals came from 47 appearances in all competitions for Roma.

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