Napoli are preparing a first offer for Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, but it’s less than half the asking price, according to Repubblica.
It has been repeatedly noted that the Stamford Bridge outfit are hoping to receive £38m from the sale of their striker, who is returning to the fold after a loan spell with Roma.
However, finding someone willing to pay that amount will be difficult, especially if Lukaku continues to reject offers from the Saudi Pro League.
Lukaku will push Chelsea to reach a deal with Napoli
Napoli are the new favourites for the Belgian following the appointment of manager Antonio Conte, who worked so well with him at Inter.
Repubblica claim today that sporting director Giovanni Manna has made Chelsea’s first offer and that amount up to €15m plus €3m in bonuses.
That works out to around £12.7m plus £2.5m in add-ons, less than half the asking price for the centre-forward.
Negotiations will be difficult, but Napoli know they have Lukaku’s blessing to help them move forward with the transfer.
Milan have also been linked with the striker, but he would be far down their list of priorities.