Chelsea’s Pursuit of Victor Osimhen Intensifies as Napoli Eyes Second Blues Star
Chelsea’s ambitious bid to secure the services of Victor Osimhen has gained momentum as Napoli reportedly shows interest in acquiring a second player from the London club. The ongoing negotiations, which have seen Chelsea attempt to leverage Romelu Lukaku in the deal, are at a critical juncture as the two clubs continue to seek common ground.
Chelsea has already made significant moves in the transfer market, bolstering their attacking options with the acquisition of Marc Guiu from Barcelona and the imminent arrival of Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid for £35 million. These additions will compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot up front, giving manager Enzo Maresca a wealth of options as the new season approaches.
However, Chelsea remains determined to add a proven goalscorer to their ranks, and Osimhen has emerged as their primary target. Napoli’s €100 million asking price for the Nigerian striker has been a major hurdle, particularly as Chelsea aims to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. To navigate this, Chelsea has been exploring creative solutions, including using Lukaku as a makeweight in the deal.
The Belgian forward, who is eager to reunite with former boss Antonio Conte at Napoli, has been at the center of Chelsea’s strategy. The Blues have reportedly valued Lukaku at £38 million and had proposed a deal that would see Osimhen move to Stamford Bridge on loan, with Lukaku heading to Naples. Despite Lukaku’s strong desire to make the switch, the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement.
Earlier reports dismissed these discussions as “fantasy exchanges,” with Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda downplaying the likelihood of such a deal. However, recent updates from reliable sources, including The Athletic’s David Ornstein and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, suggest that negotiations are ongoing, with both sides still working towards a resolution.
As the transfer window draws closer to its conclusion, Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen remains one of the most intriguing sagas of the summer. The potential for a deal could hinge on Napoli’s interest in additional Chelsea players, which may provide the breakthrough needed to bring the prolific striker to the Premier League.
