Chelsea in Three-Way Transfer Standoff Over Victor Osimhen as Napoli Eyes Lukaku Swap

Chelsea are involved in a three-way transfer standoff this summer, centered around Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

Manager Enzo Maresca is keen to add another center forward to his squad, and Osimhen has emerged as a potential target.

Osimhen, 25, was notably absent from Napoli’s pre-season friendly against Egnatia on Sunday, fueling speculation about his future.

Despite scoring 17 goals in 32 matches last season, the Nigerian striker is reportedly frustrated and seeking a move away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Last week, reports suggested that Paris Saint-Germain had reached an agreement with Osimhen, but they might reconsider due to the high asking price.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Chelsea are interested in Osimhen but are unwilling to meet his £110 million release clause.

Napoli are exploring alternatives for Osimhen, who has been training separately from Antonio Conte’s squad and has not featured in their pre-season games.

They are keen to secure Romelu Lukaku as his replacement. Napoli might consider including Osimhen in negotiations with Chelsea for Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at Roma.

According to football.london, Chelsea are determined to sign a new striker this summer but are cautious about overpaying or making a panic buy late in the transfer window.

This cautious approach applies to any potential deal for Osimhen, despite his impressive performance record in Serie A and European competitions.

Napoli director Giovanni Manna hinted at the possibility of Osimhen’s departure over the weekend. Speaking to reporters, Manna said, “We aimed to provide the coach with a competitive team from the first days of training camp to immediately tackle the championship.

There will be movements, as there is still a month of the market left, and we might make some additions. This is a process, a project starting this year with the coach at its center. We share a strategy with the club, and we are calm and clear-headed. We will not make any reckless moves but will make decisions that support our technical and tactical ideas.”

As the transfer window progresses, the situation involving Osimhen, Chelsea, and Napoli continues to unfold, with significant implications for all parties involved