Opinion: Antonio Conte could do Chelsea huge favour by signing £38m flop; Blues shouldn’t stand in his way

Antonio Conte wants Napoli to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku

According to The Sun, former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte could play a significant role in Chelsea FC’s transfer dealings as he prepares to take over Napoli. The 54-year-old manager is set to sign a three-year deal with the Serie A club and is already planning his summer transfer moves.

One of Conte’s primary targets is Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at AS Roma. The Belgian forward thrived under Conte at Inter Milan, where they won the Scudetto together. During his time with Conte, Lukaku scored 64 goals in 95 appearances, showcasing his effectiveness under the Italian manager’s guidance. This prolific form tempted Chelsea to invest heavily in Lukaku, paying around £97.5 million for the 31-year-old in 2021.

Conte’s potential move for Lukaku could have implications for Chelsea, as they look to navigate their own transfer strategies and squad development.

This summer presents a prime opportunity for Chelsea to part ways with Lukaku, as Conte could be instrumental in facilitating a transfer. With Conte’s admiration for Lukaku, having previously managed him to great success at Inter Milan, a deal between the two clubs seems plausible.

Chelsea could leverage this situation to pursue a move for Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen. By including Lukaku in a cash-plus-player transfer, the Blues could significantly reduce Osimhen’s transfer fee, potentially lowering it to around £68 million. Conte’s influence at Napoli could be key in convincing the club to take on Lukaku.

Lukaku has previously thrived under Conte’s management, scoring 64 goals in 95 appearances during their time together at Inter. Conte’s ability to maximize Lukaku’s potential is well-documented, making this a mutually beneficial move. For Chelsea, it represents a strategic opportunity to bolster their attacking options with Osimhen, while also finding a suitable new home for Lukaku.

With 21 goals in all competitions in 2023-24, Romelu Lukaku remains an intriguing addition to any team. His extensive experience in Serie A and history thriving in Conte’s system makes him a solid bet to be a hit in Naples.

If Conte succeeds in bringing Lukaku to Napoli, it could pave the way for Victor Osimhen’s departure. Conte’s familiarity and successful history with Lukaku may lead him to prioritize the Belgian forward over the Nigerian attacker.

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It will be intriguing to see if Antonio Conte will push for Napoli to sign Romelu Lukaku. It could prove to be a mutually beneficial decision for all parties involved.