Chelsea still can’t get rid of Romelu Lukaku! Why £100m flop’s proposed transfer to Napoli is at a standstill – explained

Chelsea and Romelu Lukaku are still in the dark over the striker’s future, despite him reportedly agreeing to join Napoli this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues are desperate to offload the Belgium international this summer and a move to Napoli had seemed imminent, with the forward eager to reunite with his former Inter coach Antonio Conte at the club.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite Napoli’s personal agreement with Lukaku, there has been no progress regarding a move for the 31-year-old and it has since been reported that Chelsea have struck a deal with Aston Villa for him. Still, what happens next remains a mystery.

THE EXPLANATION

Lukaku has not yet completed a permanent switch to Napoli because, The Telegraph reports, the Italian side have not made an official offer for him. Chelsea are demanding the Serie A club pay the entirety of the £37.8 million ($48m) release clause in his contract but the Italian club is reluctant to match it at this point.

DID YOU KNOW?

Another issue hindering the deal is the situation around Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen. He has been linked with a move away and the club are said to be eager to sell him for a hefty fee, but no clubs have come through with a suitable offer.

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WHAT NEXT?

It seems Napoli’s hands are tied as they cannot afford to bring in Lukaku for the price Chelsea are demanding while they still have Osimhen on their books. Chelsea have been linked with Osimhen, too, meaning some kind of swap could be the way out of the standoff.