As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Napoli about the loan of Victor Osimhen for a season.
The two clubs are currently in talks about Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to go in the opposite direction.
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Chelsea want to get rid of Lukaku after he was released for a transfer, but have yet to find a club willing to pay the £37m asking price.
Napoli are most interested in the Belgian, who could potentially work again with his former coach Antonio Conte.
The two helped Inter Milan to Serie A triumph in 2021 and Conte has made him his top target, but it will depend on whether Osimhen leaves the club or not.
Lukaku has already agreed to a salary cut and a three-year contract for his move to Naples.
Chelsea are looking for a striker but have no intention of paying Osimhen’s release clause, which is reportedly at £110 million.
The two clubs are now negotiating a loan agreement with an option to buy.
Napoli would prefer an additional commitment in any loan with an option, which could be triggered on the basis of Chelsea’s qualification for the Champions League.
Although no transfer fee has been discussed, Chelsea would certainly kill two birds with one stone: signing a top striker while losing Lukaku, who earns £325,000 a week.
The downside, however, is that Osimhen may want to move to Stamford Bridge after already agreeing personal terms with PSG, where he could replace Kylian Mbappe as a regular starter after the latter’s move to Real Madrid.
The Nigerian has previously been linked with a transfer to Chelsea and had previously hinted that he was interested in a deal.
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Osimhen helped Napoli to Serie A triumph in 2023 with 26 goals in 32 league games.
Last season, the 25-year-old had a more difficult campaign but still managed 17 goals in all competitions as the Blues looked to strengthen their attack.
However, since Chelsea will not be participating in the Champions League, it may not be as attractive a destination as PSG, who have ambitions to win the tournament.
Chelsea have already been active in this summer’s transfer window and have signed six players.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Marc Guiu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Caleb Wiley and Omari Kellyman have all signed with the Blues.
Meanwhile, six players have left the club: Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva.