The problem is serious and clear for everyone to see. Napoli is struggling to score goals, a situation that feels almost unthinkable given the club’s rich attacking history. Over the years, from Walter Mazzarri to Rafa Benitez, Maurizio Sarri, Carlo Ancelotti, Gennaro Gattuso, and Luciano Spalletti, Napoli has consistently boasted one of the strongest offenses in Serie A. However, the start of this season has seen alarming issues in their attacking play.
While much of the post-Verona analysis focused on defensive blunders and the team’s mental collapse when going behind, another worrying statistic has been somewhat overlooked: after their first two competitive matches against Modena in the Coppa Italia and Hellas Verona in the league, Napoli has yet to find the back of the net. This situation is understandable without a star striker, especially considering how crucial the number 9 is in Antonio Conte’s attacking system.
Thus, Napoli is now motivated to accelerate efforts to bring in Romelu Lukaku. Both Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone have not provided the answers the club hoped for, and there is a pressing need for a solution.
While the club is still connected to the future of Victor Osimhen, the man who played a pivotal role in helping Napoli secure their third Serie A title as top scorer, it’s clear that Osimhen is seeking a new challenge. He has his sights set on the Champions League and, most notably, a move to Paris Saint-Germain, which has halted communication with Napoli for some time. This is not an encouraging sign with only ten days left in the transfer window, but a resolution must be found. Chelsea is keeping an eye on the situation, having decided to separate Lukaku’s potential transfer from any dealings involving Osimhen.
During a recent trip to London, Napoli’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, explored the possibility of a loan deal for Lukaku, potentially with an obligation to buy for around €30 million. However, Chelsea is not convinced by this proposal, especially since they have several players leaving Cobham and will be cautious about the number of loans they can arrange.
In short, Napoli is under pressure to make a genuine effort to secure Lukaku and provide their passionate fanbase with a new number 9. Chelsea is reportedly seeking €40 million for Lukaku’s transfer, but discussions are ongoing to find a compromise that satisfies both clubs and, most importantly, the player himself, who is living a strained life in London and is eager to relocate to Italy. Lukaku wants to play for Napoli and Conte, and given their current struggles, Napoli desperately needs his physical prowess and ability to break down the tightest defenses.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis is seriously considering closing the deal as soon as possible, even before Osimhen’s departure. While this might seem risky, it is a technical necessity to avoid dropping more points early in the season. Conte’s alarm bells sounded before the season opener must not go unheeded, particularly after a disappointing performance last Sunday. The club clearly requires a top striker to compete for their legitimate European ambitions.
Over the years, De Laurentiis has understood the importance of having a prolific striker capable of scoring twenty goals a season. Napoli’s history is rich with attack-minded stars: from Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain, who helped earn the club a place among Europe’s elite, to Dries Mertens, who dreamed of winning the title, and Osimhen, who delivered it. Napoli now needs a new symbol to mark the start of a new era, one that has so far been disappointing.
Lukaku represents a different profile than previous forwards—he is not a long-term project but an immediate necessity crucial for Conte’s vision and to remedy their offensive crisis. With his physicality, mentality, and experience, Romelu stands as an international symbol who can tilt the balance in Napoli’s favor and once again shine under Conte’s leadership. Why wait any longer?