Chelsea has moved a step closer to securing the signature of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli, following a significant development in negotiations. The Serie A champions have reportedly lowered their demands, bringing Chelsea closer to finalising a deal that would see two of their players heading to Italy in exchange for Osimhen.
Napoli initially set a high asking price of around €130 million (£110.8 million) for Osimhen, but they have now reduced their valuation to €100 million (£85.8 million). Despite this reduction, Chelsea is still not willing to meet the full amount. Instead, the London club is attempting to negotiate a player-plus-cash deal to secure the 25-year-old striker.
In a bid to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea has reportedly offered Napoli £38.5 million, plus Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Cesare Casadei. This proposal would not only reduce the financial burden on Chelsea but also provide Napoli with a direct replacement for Osimhen in Lukaku, who is keen on reuniting with his former manager, Antonio Conte. The Belgian striker, who previously worked with Conte at Inter Milan, is currently training with Chelsea’s reserves as he waits for his future to be resolved.
Napoli, who are eager to sign Lukaku but unable to afford Chelsea’s £40 million asking price, have shown interest in this complex swap deal. By including Casadei, a promising 21-year-old Italian midfielder, Chelsea hopes to further sweeten the deal and meet Napoli’s revised valuation for Osimhen.
Osimhen, who has been instrumental in Napoli’s recent success, is reportedly eager to leave the club this summer. The Nigerian international has expressed his desire for a new challenge, prompting Napoli to explore transfer options. Chelsea’s pursuit of a new No. 9 has intensified following the collapse of a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, making Osimhen their primary target.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has reportedly given his approval for the club to pursue Osimhen. The Italian coach sees Osimhen as a perfect fit for his plans at Stamford Bridge and is eager to bring the striker to London. Despite the financial hurdles, Maresca has urged the Chelsea board to continue negotiations and secure the deal, especially after the failed attempt to sign Omorodion.
Romelu Lukaku, once a star at Stamford Bridge, has had a tumultuous time at Chelsea since his return to the club. The Belgian forward has struggled to find his form and has been seeking a move away from the club. With a weekly wage of £325,000, Chelsea is eager to offload him and reduce their wage bill. Napoli’s interest in Lukaku could provide the ideal solution for both parties.
Cesare Casadei, on the other hand, is a young midfielder who was one of the first signings under Chelsea’s new ownership led by Todd Boehly. Despite his potential, Casadei has not made the expected impact at Chelsea, and his loan spells in the Championship have been underwhelming. Including him in the deal could provide the Italian with a fresh start in Serie A, where he previously impressed in Inter Milan’s academy.
Chelsea is not the only club interested in signing Osimhen. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has also been monitoring the situation and is reportedly considering making a move for the striker. However, like Chelsea, PSG is hesitant to meet Napoli’s initial asking price. The French giants remain in the background as negotiations between Chelsea and Napoli progress.
