Chelsea have still not accepted Napoli’s offer for Romelu Lukaku, so they would instead arrange David Neres’ medical as part of a €28m deal with Benfica.
It had already been suggested earlier in the day that the Partenopei would make Neres wait after the sale of Victor Osimhen if it meant getting Lukaku now.
However, Stamford Bridge continue to hesitate over a response to the offer worth £25m plus £5m in add-ons.
While Chelsea have certainly lowered their initial asking price of around €45m, it remains to be seen whether that will be enough without Osimhen as part of the swap deal.
David Neres now, Lukaku later
In this spirit, Sky Sport Italie et transfer expert Fabrizio Romano both report that Naples is tired of waiting and will use this money for David Neres.
It will cost between 28 and 30 million euros including add-ons and could be ready to undergo a medical as early as Monday, with the player travelling over the weekend.
Neres was already left out of Benfica’s squad for this weekend’s game as the transfer was imminent.
While Lukaku remains a target for the Partenopei, Antonio Conte will have to wait a little longer for this reunion.
