Napoli confirm the permanent signing of Romelu Lukaku

Napoli confirmed it once and for all to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has been outbid for a reported £37m.

The Belgian was part of a group of Blues players who were told they had no future at Stamford Bridge earlier this summer. Having spent last season on loan at Roma, Lukaku was eager to return to Italy and soon emerged as a target for the Serie A title winners in 2022/23.

A fee was eventually agreed between the two clubs, meaning Lukaku will now play for Italy's third-tier club after two games with Inter and another short-term spell in Rome.

Despite being one of the most prolific strikers in international football with 85 goals in 119 appearances for Belgium, the 31-year-old has struggled for consistency at club level.

Signed by Chelsea in 2011 after his talent was spotted at Anderlecht, Lukaku impressed during loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Everton, later making his move to Goodison Park permanent.

The 2016/17 campaign saw him score 25 goals in the Premier League, leading to an initial £75m move to Manchester United. However, he struggled to find form and left with a record 42 goals in 96 appearances in all competitions before resuming his career with Inter.

Lukaku formed a great partnership with Lautaro Martinez at the San Siro as his goals earned the Italians the 2020/21 Serie A title and the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana the following season before returning to Chelsea for £97.5m.

Things got off to a good start as he scored a goal on his Blues debut in a 2-0 win at Arsenal but a disagreement with then manager Thomas Tuchel saw him sidelined, leading to a return to Italy for a two season loan spell with Inter. and the Romans.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP