Victor Osimhen has officially handed in a transfer request at Napoli, as confirmed by the club.
The Nigerian international, who has been instrumental since joining from Lille in 2020, is now keen on a fresh challenge away from Naples. Chelsea, a long-term admirer of Osimhen, is at the forefront of potential suitors. Sources reveal that Chelsea had previously engaged in discussions with Napoli about a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku. New Napoli manager Antonio Conte, who shares a successful history with Lukaku from their time at Inter Milan, is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of reuniting with the Belgian striker. Lukaku's return to Stamford Bridge has been far from fruitful, making a move back to Italy an appealing option for all parties involved. Paris Saint-Germain initially appeared to be leading the race for Osimhen, but negotiations have hit a snag over the transfer fee. Chelsea, while keen, remain cautious due to Osimhen's substantial release clause, which stands at around 110 million pounds.
Despite their significant summer expenditure surpassing 200 million pounds, Chelsea are still looking to bolster their squad, potentially offsetting costs by offloading at least seven players. Sporting director Giovanni Manna provided an update on the situation: “Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go.
The situation is clear, there were already chances for his exit last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days.” Osimhen, one of Europe’s most coveted strikers, managed to net 17 goals across all competitions in the 2023/24 season despite battling injuries. His departure from Napoli seems inevitable, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG all expressing serious interest in securing his services.
Also read: Arsenal is said to have slapped a €130 million bid for Osimhen, and there's been a shocking €100 million bid from Real Madrid. Additionally, there's talk about Sterling and Chiesa.
Chelsea's strategy may involve a part-exchange deal with Lukaku, whose release clause is pegged at 38 million pounds, potentially easing the financial burden of Osimhen's transfer. However, the ongoing saga is complicated by Osimhen’s salary demands, which Chelsea must navigate to finalize any deal.
The Blues are keen on a loan arrangement, but Osimhen’s reluctance to accept a temporary move adds another layer of complexity. Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has been adamant about receiving a full valuation for Osimhen, holding out for a club to trigger the 130 million clause. As the transfer window deadline looms, there is speculation that Napoli might reduce their demands to facilitate a move.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's interest has not waned. Their willingness to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy could be a strategic move to circumvent the hefty immediate outlay. However, any loan agreement would require Osimhen to agree to temporary terms, which he has so far resisted. Arsenal and PSG are also monitoring the situation closely.
While Arsenal have been relatively quiet on the transfer front, their need for a prolific striker could push them to make a late bid. PSG, despite earlier setbacks, remains in the picture, especially if they can resolve the fee issues that stalled previous talks. The coming weeks promise a flurry of activity as clubs jockey for positions to land Osimhen.
Also read: Barcelona is really going after Spanish winger Nico Williams, but there are conflicting reports about what the player actually wants.
Chelsea’s ability to offload Lukaku might provide them a crucial advantage, but the financial intricacies and Osimhen's preferences will play pivotal roles in the final outcome. In summary, Victor Osimhen’s transfer request has set the stage for a high-stakes battle among top European clubs.
With Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG all in the mix, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining where one of Europe’s brightest striking talents will ply his trade next season.
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