Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be about to make Chelsea £37m as negotiations continue

Romelu Lukaku could be set to return to Italy again this summer with both AC Milan and Napoli showing interest in the Chelsea striker, according to reports from Gianluca DiMarzio. The west London club values Lukaku at £37 million and is desperate to get him off the wage bill, but they also know his value and won’t be pushed to lower his price just because they want to sell.

Chelsea have proven to be shrewd negotiators lately, having been able to get £37million from Aston Villa for Ian Maatsen. They have also reportedly agreed on a fee of £22million for Omari Hutchinson and reportedly got £28 million from Newcastle for Lewis Hall as they look to boost their finances before investing into the squad.

Napoli were leading the race for Lukaku, and his relationship with Antonio Conte meant a reunion cannot be entirely ruled out. However, Milan are in the market for a striker, with the club’s advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently admitting their interest.

Ibrahimovic is quoted by Football Italia.net: “Last year Milan made a great transfer market, we needed to lay the foundations. This market will focus above all on details. After Giroud’s departure, we need a new number 9. Jovic is there, but we are looking for a new striker. Zirkzee is a strong player; he comes from a great season. He comes from the Netherlands, whether he is another Ibra or not… there is a big difference between reality and what is said and written.”

Chelsea and Lukaku episode finally coming to an end

Both Chelsea and Lukaku will be desperate to end what has been a really frustrating time after he re-joined Chelsea for £97.5 million in 2021, but his return proved unsuccessful, and he has not played for the Blues since May 2022.

In that period, he’s played for Inter Milan, helping them reach the Champions League final, and AS Roma, where he helped them reach the Europa League knockout stage. Chelsea are looking in a different direction and will hope to bring an end to this episode.

If the deal to Milan will work out Ibrahimovic will be deeply involved as he’s Milan’s advisor and is leading their talks for a striker.