Romelu Lukaku sends message to Antonio Conte and Napoli ahead of Chelsea exit

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has indicated that he would be open to linking up with Antonio Conte at Napoli.

The 31-year-old has just finished a season on loan at Roma where he scored 21 goals in 47 appearances for the Serie A club.

It’s understood that Lukaku has a £38 million release clause this summer and Chelsea are keen for any interested clubs to meet that figure for the striker, who was signed in a £97.5 million deal from Inter in August 2021.

Lukaku, meanwhile, insists he is ‘in control’ of his future and claims his relationship with a team’s manager will be a key factor behind his next move.

‘I’ve already figured it out in my head. I know what will happen,’ Lukaku said in an interview with RTL when asked about his future.

‘A lot of people like to talk, maybe because I don’t have a real estate agent. But I’m going to decide. I am in control of my situation.

‘I’m going to make a choice and once I explain it, everyone will agree with me.

‘Look, every time I decided to stay or leave somewhere, certain factors – for example my relationship with the coach – turned out to be the right choice.

‘It’s like having a relationship with a woman. If we don’t click anymore, why stay together?’

When asked who has been the best coach of his career so far, Lukaku replied: ‘Antonio Conte.’

Lukaku also made it clear that he would be open to joining the Saudi Pro League, who could provide the Belgium international with an alternative option to Napoli this summer.

‘I have often spoken with Yannick [Carrasco] about life there. He lives in a compound there, but you really have everything there,’ Lukaku said.

‘Saudi Arabia wouldn’t stop me. The level will only increase to a much higher level than many people think. More and more football players will tend to play there.

‘Also because of how the fans there experience football. The infrastructure still needs to be improved, but all major European top clubs know: ‘Saudi Arabia is coming’. You already see that in boxing, golf, Formula 1.’

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