Lukaku set to leave Napoli as Atlanta United plot MLS move
Romelu Lukaku did not report for Napoli's pre-season training camp in Castel di Sangro on Wednesday, and Goal.com reports the relationship between club and player is now considered beyond repair.
The Belgian striker was due back in Italy after Belgium's involvement at the World Cup, but has instead stayed away as talks over an exit continue. It is the second time in months that Lukaku has failed to return on schedule. He also missed the club's return from the late March international break, a moment Napoli responded to by pushing him out of Antonio Conte's matchday plans.
Both parties now want the same outcome: an early exit, roughly a year before his contract expires on 30 June 2027. President Aurelio De Laurentiis is said to be holding out for at least €10 million to sanction the move, a figure driven partly by Lukaku's reported €11 million gross annual salary, a number Napoli are reluctant to keep carrying for a player now working behind Rasmus Hojlund in Conte's pecking order.
On interest, Atlanta United have emerged as the frontrunners according to Goal.com's reporting, with suggestions the MLS club could move quickly if their offer approaches Napoli's valuation. Saudi interest has also been mentioned, though nothing concrete has been reported on that front. No formal bid from Atlanta has been confirmed at this stage, so this remains interest rather than an active negotiation.
