Chelsea wants Osimhen for a swap deal with Lukaku

Latest reports from Italy say Chelsea has begun talks with Napoli as they try to set up a deal for Victor Osimhen involving Romelu Lukaku and a hefty lump sum. 

After Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli failed to reach an agreement on the valuation for the Nigerian striker, who also turned down a move to Saudi Arabia, the 25-year-old Nigerian striker is still waiting for his high-profile move away from the Partenopei this summer.

Having signed a new contract back in December that includes a €130m release clause, this seemed to be the issue as Paris Saint-Germain seemed seriously keen, but their highest offer was €90m.

Napoli is keen to snap up Lukaku to please new coach Antonio Conte, who wants him. They have been in contact with Chelsea regarding a possible swap deal involving Osimhen and a large cash sum.

Both players are keen to leave their respective clubs ahead of the 2024-25 season. 

They have been training separately from their squads as they expect the move to materialize and begin their season. 

Corriere dello Sport revealed that Napoli values Lukaku at around €30m, despite his €44m release clause. Chelsea would need at least €70m to secure a deal with Osimhen, who is open to moving to West London. 

The Nigerian has never hidden his admiration for the Blues as his mentor is the legend, Didier Drogba. There is no chance for a double loan deal because both players have contracts expiring in 2026. So, the operation would need to be on definitive terms as talks between both clubs continue and developments are expected.

With the look of things, Conte wants this deal to be completed on time. Sorry to know the pool of players to choose from as he begins his reign at the Diego Maradona Stadium, with the aim of contending for the Scudetto, last won two seasons ago after 33 years of waiting.