Romelu Lukaku Sets 'Total Priority' on Desired Destination

Romelu Lukaku Gives ‘Total Priority’ to Napoli This Summer

Lukaku Keen to Rejoin Antonio Conte

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Lukaku has given “total priority” to Napoli as he wants to join the side permanently this summer. Romano reports that the Belgian is keen to re-join his former manager Antonio Conte, whilst the new Azzurri coach is also eager to sign the player.

Both the player and the coach were at Inter Milan for just two seasons before leaving in the summer of 2021. These were Lukaku’s two highest-scoring seasons in his career, bagging 34 and 30. The striker was integral to Conte’s system as the side won Serie A in their second season. Finishing second in the 2019/20 season beat any other league finish since 2011.

Move Dependant on Victor Osimhen

The Italian journalist states that “If [Victor] Osimhen leaves, Napoli will be ready to advance in talks with Chelsea”. It appears that if their Nigerian striker does stay, there may not be room for Lukaku in the squad.

Osimhen has been linked with leaving Napoli for a long time, with Chelsea themselves frontrunners for his signature. It seems likely that this will happen, and a move for a proven striker (especially in Italy) that has worked well with their new coach, would be a good replacement for the starboy.

Lukaku Struggling for Form?

At Euro 2024, despite being their all-time top goalscorer, Lukaku struggled for Belgium. He was ridiculed for missing numerous big chances and often found himself offside. He failed to score in their four matches despite having an expected goals of 1.70.

In the previous league campaign, he scored a respectable, though not impressive, 13 goals. It was his stunning seven goals in 13 Europa League matches for Roma that brought his season tally up.