According to recent reports, Chelsea has made an approach to Napoli, suggesting a player-plus-cash deal for their talented striker, Victor Osimhen, during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Last season, Osimhen had an outstanding Serie A campaign, scoring 26 goals and helping Napoli secure the top-flight title. However, this season has been more challenging for both him and his teammates, as they relinquished the title to Inter Milan.
Osimhen’s performance has not reached the same heights, partly due to a hamstring injury and his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations. Nonetheless, he has managed to score 16 goals and provide four assists in 29 matches across all competitions.
Despite signing a new contract with Napoli in December, it appears that Osimhen’s departure from the club is inevitable this summer. Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has already confirmed that the Nigerian striker will be leaving, and interested parties can activate his release clause, which is believed to be around £110 million, or negotiate a lower transfer fee.
Considering Chelsea’s financial situation and the need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, it would be challenging for them to afford such a substantial amount without making significant sales. However, reports suggest that Chelsea is exploring the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal to secure Osimhen’s services. It is rumored that they are willing to offer their striker Romelu Lukaku, along with a young player whose identity remains undisclosed, as part of the deal. Additionally, Chelsea would be prepared to pay between €80 million (£68.6 million) and €90 million (£77.2 million) in addition to the player exchange.
Nevertheless, other clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, are also interested in signing last season’s Serie A top scorer. Napoli’s priority, for now, lies in finding a new permanent head coach rather than finalizing Osimhen’s future.
In contrast, Chelsea is keen to offload several players, including Romelu Lukaku, to streamline their squad for the upcoming season. Lukaku had a successful two-year stint with Inter Milan, but his return to Chelsea for £97.5 million has not gone as expected. Lukaku’s interview with Sky Italia, in which he expressed dissatisfaction with Thomas Tuchel’s system, strained his relationship with the club.
Although he has regained his goal-scoring form with Roma, tallying 20 goals this season, it is widely believed that Lukaku’s future lies in Italian football. A permanent move to Roma, however, is unlikely to materialize.
Therefore, it appears that filling Osimhen’s shoes at Napoli could be a viable option for the 30-year-old Lukaku, and Chelsea is prepared to accept a significant financial loss in the process.