Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Napoli submit Romelu Lukaku offer, Newcastle eyeing English ace, and more - August 13, 2024

Chelsea have already upgraded their squad over the summer, bringing in multiple new faces. Enzo Maresca is now working to streamline his roster before the end of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Napoli have placed an offer on the table for Romelu Lukaku. Elsewhere, Newcastle United are interested in an English forward.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from August 13, 2024.

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Napoli submit Romelu Lukaku offer

Napoli have submitted their opening bid for Romelu Lukaku, according to acclaimed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Belgian striker is not part of Enzo Maresca's plans at Chelsea and will be allowed to leave this year.

Lukaku spent last season on loan at AS Roma, scoring 21 goals and setting up four more in 47 games across competitions. However, it wasn't enough to secure him a place in the first team squad at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are working to sell him and Napoli are ready to take the 31-year-old off their hands. Antonio Conte has taken charge at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this year and is itching for a reunion with his former player.

Lukaku is also ready for a return to Italy, despite interest in his services from Saudi Arabia. The Serie A side have apparently submitted a verbal proposal of £21m for the Belgian, with a further £4.2m in add-ons.

However, the London giants want the player's £38m release clause to be triggered to let him go. As such, Napoli's offer is likely to be turned down. The Italian club also have to offload Victor Osimhen before they can accommodate Lukaku in their squad.

The Belgian has already agreed a three-year deal with the Serie A side, and is willing to take a pay cut to join them. Interestingly, Chelsea also have their eyes on Osimhen and there has been talk of including Lukaku in an offer for the Nigerian.

Newcastle eyeing Noni Madueke

Newcastle United have set their sights on Noni Madueke, according to Fichajes. Chelsea are working to revamp their squad this summer and have already made multiple changes.

Madueke hasn't lived up to the billing since arriving at the club last year and will now be allowed to leave. The Magpies are attentive to his situation and are planning to prise him away.

Eddie Howe is looking for a talented young winger this summer and has reportedly zeroed in on the Englishman. Despite his struggles at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old's stock remains high. Madueke is under contract with the Blues until 2030 and the club are likely to let him go for a decent fee this year.

Leeds United advised to target Chelsea's Bashir Humphreys

Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer had urged the club to sign Bashir Humphreys. The 21-year-old defender spent last season on loan with Swansea and was quite impressive.

However, his efforts are unlikely to guarantee him a place in Chelsea's first team this year. The London giants are already planning to cash in on him this summer and the player is also eager to move in search of regular football. Burnley and clubs from Germany reportedly have their eyes on Humphreys as well.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer backed the English defender to excel at Elland Road.

“Leeds will be facing competition from Burnley, it’s believed the player will leave Chelsea before the end of the transfer window with the club preferring a sale rather than a loan deal. He’s a million miles from getting in the Chelsea first-team, so it’s the best solution for both the club and the player,” said Palmer.

He continued:

“I think it would be a very very good signing, he had a superb season at Swansea, so this would be a good addition to the squad. Leeds have sold a lot of players and brought in a lot of money, so they can bring in one or two players before the transfer window closes and they would prefer to bring in younger players rather than experienced ones.”

The London giants have already signed Tosin Adarabioyo to bolster their backline this summer.