Milan 'begin new round of talks to sign Chelsea exile Romelu Lukaku in bid to steal a march on Napoli'... but are still 'unconvinced' by the Blues' £25m asking price

Milan have initiated a new round of talks with Chelsea in an effort to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer, according to reports in Italy.

Chelsea, who loaned Lukaku out to Serie A side Roma last season, are keen to sell the 31-year-old forward permanently this summer despite signing him for £98million back in 2021.

Napoli and Milan are leading the race to sign Lukaku ahead of next season, with Chelsea demanding a fee of at least £25m.

According to Sky Sports in Italy , Milan have recognised that timing is everything in their pursuit of the Belgian international, given that Napoli are not currently in a position to negotiate a deal.

Napoli's interest in Lukaku hinges on their sale of star man Victor Osimhen this summer, with both Arsenal and Chelsea among those keen on the Nigerian.

As Napoli need to sell Osimhen first in order to free up funds, Milan are keen to negotiate a deal with Chelsea as quick as possible and have thus started a new round of talks.

Lukaku is said to be keen on both moves, with Napoli offering the prospect of working alongside his former Inter head coach Antonio Conte.

Milan, who can already match Chelsea's £25m asking price, reportedly still have some reservations over signing the forward, who is currently on international duty with Belgium at the European Championship, for that valuation.

Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee remains Milan's No 1 transfer target this summer.