Napoli open to Osimhen-Lukaku swap

Reports in Italy say that Napoli are open to completing a swap deal involving Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku, but Chelsea would need to pay between €80m and €90m on top of it.

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirmed this latest development as speculation continues to be around the future of the Nigerian striker despite signing a new deal last season, which includes a €130m clause.

After another season-long loan in the Serie A, it seems Lukaku prefers the league to others, having struggled to establish himself at Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, it remains unclear if Antonio Conte, who is on the verge of becoming Napoli’s next manager, will sanction the move.

Gazzetta claims that Napoli are on the verge of appointing Conte, and the Italian tactician will sign an €8m-a-year contract, which may include a clause to leave the club at the end of each season.

Having worked with Lukaku, who won Inter another Serie A title three seasons ago, the paper confirmed that the lanky Belgian striker would be Conte’s primary attack target.

The Belgian striker will return to his parent club, Chelsea, in June after he ends a one-year loan spell at Roma.

The Blues will have to find a way to balance their books in accordance with financial fair play rules, as they seem interested in Osimhen. Although a player-plus-cash swap deal involving the two strikers appears to be quite a natural scenario, Chelsea will have to sell some players.

For this deal to be through, Chelsea would have to fill the transfer value gap around €80m or €90m.

 Gazzetta reported that the Blues, who are expected to announce Fabio Maresca as their new head coach, would need to pay to sign Osimhen in a swap deal with Lukaku.

Since Osimhen also seems to want a move to Stamford Bridge, it could be an easy transaction for both clubs, provided the Blue will meet Napoli’s valuation of their striker.