Chelsea Boosted in Pursuit of €100m Striker as Napoli Considers Blues Star; Romano Outlines Conditions

Chelsea’s efforts to sign Victor Osimhen have received a significant boost, as Napoli’s interest in a second Chelsea player has emerged.

Chelsea has already bolstered their attack by signing Marc Guiu from Barcelona to compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot, while Samu Omorodion is on the verge of a £35m move from Atletico Madrid to provide manager Enzo Maresca with additional options. However, the Blues remain focused on securing an experienced goalscorer, with Osimhen still their top target.

Napoli’s €100m asking price for Osimhen has been a major obstacle in negotiations, especially as Chelsea aims to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

To navigate this, Chelsea has explored the possibility of including Romelu Lukaku as part of the deal. The Blues are seeking £38m for the Belgian striker and were hoping Napoli might agree to a loan arrangement for Osimhen as part of the deal.

Lukaku, eager to reunite with former boss Antonio Conte in Naples, has been pushing for the transfer, but the negotiations have reached an impasse.

Despite this, discussions continue, as confirmed by transfer experts David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.

Romano noted that Chelsea remains interested in Osimhen, but only if the conditions change. He stated on X: “Osimhen plans to leave but NO intention to reduce salary/accept straight loan. Chelsea still keen ONLY in case deal conditions/Osimhen’s stance change… as Napoli insist for Lukaku.”

Adding to Chelsea’s hopes, a report from Italy suggests that Napoli’s Conte is also interested in signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.

Kepa, who joined Chelsea for €80m from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.

With Real Madrid opting not to make his move permanent, Chelsea is actively seeking a buyer for the 29-year-old after signing Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal this summer.

Napoli’s interest in Kepa could strengthen the working relationship between the two clubs.

If Chelsea succeeds in signing Osimhen, he could line up alongside Pedro Neto at Stamford Bridge next season.

Chelsea has reportedly agreed to a €63m deal with Wolves for the winger, who had also attracted interest from Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Neto deal on X: “Pedro Neto to Chelsea, here we go! Wolves accept bid worth €60m fixed fee plus €3m add-ons as almost matches initial price tag.

Neto’s agent Mendes has agreed on personal terms with Chelsea. Medical tests booked for Pedro at #CFC.”