Napoli are reportedly prepared to discuss a player-plus-cash swap deal with Chelsea for Victor Osimhen this summer.
The Blues have splashed the cash over the past few months, with Enzo Maresca conducting a major overhaul of his ranks already.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga are among those to have put pen to paper at Stamford Bridge, as well as a young players Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Marc Guiu who will feature on the fringes of the first team. Estevao will also join the club next year from Palmeiras.
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Further investment into the Chelsea squad is anticipated though, with the club still in the market for attacking reinforcements. Aston Villa’s John Dhuran and Lille’s Jonathan David are among those to have been linked with the Blues, though they may now have been thrown a lifeline in their pursuit of Osimhen.
The Nigeria international has been long-admired by Chelsea but his significant price tag has proven a sticking point in their pursuit. However, Napoli are now willing to discuss an alternative deal for their No. 9.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Antonio Conte’s side are ‘looking for solutions’ for Osimhen’s situation as they are aware of his desire to leave. They are also keen to conduct their own transfer window, with acquiring the services of Romelu Lukaku a priority at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Conte has made the Belgium international his top target ahead of next season, and Napoli are now willing to listen to an offer from Chelsea for Osimhen which would see Lukaku used as a makeweight.
Given Osimhen’s £110million price tag, Napoli would expect a fee to be sent their way along with Lukaku, though it remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to open talks and explore that possibility.
Osimhen has made it no secret that he is looking to leave Naples ahead of next season and has already green-lighted a move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, an agreement has not been reached between the two clubs due to the gap in valuations and talks are now at a standstill.
Chelsea may therefore look to pounce sooner rather than later to solve their goalscoring woes. Osimhen’s wages could be an issue in negotiations though as the Blues have been reluctant to offer big-money contracts to players this summer.
