Chelsea No Longer Willing To Sign Romelu Lukaku?

Antonio Conte is involved in a dispute with Chelsea’s board over the signing of Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.

L’Equipe claim that the Italian has made the Everton striker his priority target and is keen for the deal to be secured as quickly as possible.

But Chelsea’s hierarchy are not willing to pay the €90 million (£78.6m) required to land the Belgium international, who was sold to Everton for £28m three years ago.

Conte is unhappy with his side’s refusal to meet Everton’s asking price and time is running out for Chelsea to get the deal done by the time the squad begin pre-season training on July 3.

On Thursday morning, La Gazzetta dello Sport first reported that Conte is becoming frustrated with Chelsea over their lack of urgency in the transfer market.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United have already confirmed signings, while Jose Mourinho’s side are also on the verge of completing a deal for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, who was wanted by Conte last summer.

On Thursday evening, speculation surrounding Conte’s future intensified as further reports in Italy suggested that the 47-year-old would be prepared to walk away from Stamford Bridge if his demands were not met.

It’s also claimed that Conte is requesting a direct line of communication to Roman Abramovich in order to resolve some of the disagreements he has.