The Italian club may be open to involving the Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in negotiations with Chelsea for Belgian international Romelu Lukaku, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The futures of both strikers are currently intertwined. Osimhen is eager to leave Napoli, while Lukaku is keen to join the Italian side, a move that hinges on Osimhen’s departure.
🚨🔵 Napoli keep looking for solutions for Victor Osimhen as they want to bring in Romelu Lukaku as soon as possible.
Understand Napoli could also be open to discussing Osimhen as part of Lukaku talks with Chelsea.
Osimhen said yes to PSG, but deal in stand-by between clubs. pic.twitter.com/59nusWEaOL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2024
Napoli is prepared to let the Nigerian forward go but has set a €130 million asking price, which has deterred Chelsea despite their long-standing interest. As a result, Chelsea has been targeting younger and less expensive players like Samu Omorodion to enhance Enzo Maresca’s attacking options for the upcoming season.
Related article: Osimhen’s Salary Soars to 10 Million Euros After Extension With Napoli
With little progress in securing Omorodion or other striker targets and Lukaku still part of their squad, Chelsea might reignite their interest in Osimhen. However, no club has been willing to meet Osimhen’s substantial release clause, leaving his future in limbo.
For a transfer to materialize, Napoli and Chelsea must come to an agreement regarding Osimhen and Lukaku, and Osimhen would need to reduce his salary expectations. Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has tallied 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances across all competitions.
