The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Lukaku closing in on Napoli move
Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku is set to complete a deal to Napoli, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea have been keen to offload the 31-year-old Belgium international this summer, with Napoli favorites to sign the striker for most of the transfer window. It is reported that Napoli’s representatives will travel to London in the next 24 hours with all parties involved confident of a deal being struck.
Lukaku has reportedly been keen on a return to Italy, where he spent last season on loan with AS Roma, notching 21 goals across all competitions. The former Manchester United forward is under contract at Chelsea until 2026, putting the Blues under pressure to part ways with him this summer, before his valuation plummets next year when he will have just 12 months left on his contract. Napoli are reportedly offering €25 million plus add-ons.
Chelsea have also been reported to hold an interest in Napoli star Victor Osimhen, with the west London outfit eager to add to their forward options themselves. However, a move has not materialised so far, and it looks unlikely that the Nigeria international will be involved in the deal between the two clubs for Lukaku.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Chelsea are looking at a potential deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, reveals TeamTalk. It is reported that it is likely Sancho will stay at Old Trafford, however, if the Red Devils can secure an offer in the region of £35m, they could be tempted into parting ways with the 24-year-old. The report indicates that Chelsea are considering a late swoop for Sancho, however, this is dependent on outgoings for the Blues.
– Nottingham Forest are closing in on securing a deal for Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, according to The Telegraph. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer and it looks like he will now depart the north London outfit. It is reported that Forest are close to finalising a deal for £30m.
– Championship rivals Stoke City and Hull City are battling it out for the signature of Australia youth international Thomas Waddingham, according to TeamTalk. The striker has been making waves at Brisbane Roar, finishing just one goal behind Nestory Irankunda, who set a record as the highest-scoring teenager in a single A-League campaign last season. Irankunda earned a move to Bayern Munich off the back of those exploits and Stoke and Hull are now looking to Waddingham, 19, to solve their own scoring woes.
– Lyon winger Rayan Cherki will not join Fulham, according to Fabrice Hawkins. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to the Cottagers, who have monitored his situation over the last 48 hours, however, it is reported that Cherki will not join the Premier League outfit.
