Chelsea’s primary objective for the upcoming summer transfer window is to secure the services of a prolific striker, with Victor Osimhen emerging as their top target.
Osimhen, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph last season with an impressive goal tally of 26 in 32 league games, has continued to shine this season, finding the net 14 times in 22 appearances.
His outstanding performances have attracted attention from several top clubs across Europe, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly leading the race for his signature.
However, acquiring Osimhen won’t come cheap, as Napoli is adamant about enforcing his release clause, valued at nearly £113 million.
For Chelsea, meeting such a hefty price tag poses a financial challenge, especially considering the need to offload surplus players to fund further acquisitions.
Players like Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are among those earmarked for potential sale, while Conor Gallagher, who is attracting interest from Tottenham, could also be on the move from Stamford Bridge.
In a bid to negotiate a more feasible deal for Osimhen, Chelsea has proposed a swap involving cash and two players, namely Romelu Lukaku, currently impressing on loan at Roma, and an unnamed promising talent.
Reports suggest that Chelsea has initiated discussions with Napoli, expressing their willingness to part ways with Lukaku, the undisclosed talent, and an offer ranging between €80 and €90 million.
However, Napoli is yet to respond to Chelsea’s proposal, likely awaiting a serious bid from PSG, the other interested party in Osimhen’s services.
Sources indicate that Osimhen holds a strong affinity for Chelsea, having admired the legendary African striker Didier Drogba during his formative years.
Chelsea is determined to make the necessary sacrifices to facilitate Osimhen’s arrival, with the club prepared to offload players to meet Napoli’s demands.
The potential inclusion of Lukaku in the deal holds significance, given Napoli’s interest in the Belgian forward, although the final decision rests with the Italian club’s prospective sports director, Giovanni Manna.
While negotiations continue, Chelsea remains committed to securing Osimhen’s signature, eager to bolster their attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.
