Conte targets Lukaku reunion at Napoli, labels Belgian a ‘top player’ amid AC Milan interest

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has set his sights on a reunion with Romelu Lukaku. He has reportedly pinpointed the Belgian striker as his top target for the Partenopei.

Conte was officially unveiled as Napoli’s manager today at the Palazzo Reale and has wasted little time expressing his admiration for Lukaku.

“He’s an excellent player, a top player,” Conte declared (via Fabrizio Romano). “There’s nothing else to say.”  

The manager-striker pair were lethal at Inter Milan, where Lukaku thrived under Conte’s guidance, spearheading their Serie A title win in 2021 with an impressive 24 goals.

Lukaku’s return to Chelsea for a club-record fee was underwhelming, and the striker returned to Inter, where he continued to shine before a shocking switch to AS Roma last term.

Lukaku is still on Chelsea’s books, and the Blues are keen on offloading him for his £35 million release clause.

Conte is desperate to be reunited with the 31-year-old and will likely push Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis to get a deal over the line.

“You always hope to have a player like Romelu on your side… and not against you,” the Italian manager added.

Whether Napoli can secure a deal and reunite the striker with his former coach remains to be seen, but Conte’s comments make it clear he views Lukaku as a crucial piece of his Napoli rebuild.

Napoli are preparing to lose Victor Osimhen this summer and have Lukaku earmarked as a possible replacement.

However, they will face competition from AC Milan, who, according to Gianluca DiMarzio, have rekindled their interest in the Chelsea man.

AC Milan let go of Olivier Giroud this summer and are eyeing a swoop for Lukaku, who bagged 21 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions last term.

Lukaku also has interest from the Saudi Pro League, with several clubs keen on enticing him to switch to the Middle East.