Chelsea and Napoli are in discussions over a move for Romelu Lukaku which could see Victor Osimhen move in the opposite direction according to David Ornstein.
The Blues, who are currently on their pre-season tour of America have been busy this summer with seven new faces arriving through the door at Stamford Bridge.
Despite signing teenager Marc Guiu from Barcelona the Blues are still thought to be in the market for a striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea and Napoli in talks over Lukaku and Osimhen
The Blues have been linked with a whole host of strikers across Europe, most notably Samu Omorodion, with Atletico Madrid reportedly turning down multiple offers from Chelsea.
However, Ornstein has provided a major update on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker and he’s reported the club are in talks with Napoli over a loan deal for Osimhen with an option to buy.
He took to X.com and said:
“Napoli in ongoing talks with Chelsea to sign Romelu Lukaku while discussions between #SSCNapoli & #CFC also taking place about move for Victor Osimhen in opposite direction. Lukaku would be permanent, Osimhen season-long loan + buy option @TheAthleticFC.”
🚨 Napoli in ongoing talks with Chelsea to sign Romelu Lukaku while discussions between #SSCNapoli & #CFC also taking place about move for Victor Osimhen in opposite direction. Lukaku would be permanent, Osimhen season-long loan + buy option @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/9YTNV3sN7V
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 30, 2024
This is a major development given it had been reported earlier this summer that Chelsea had pulled out of the race for the Nigeria international due to concerns over the cost of the deal, but reports had emerged in recent weeks that a move for Osimhen hadn’t been completely ruled out.
In theory it makes perfect sense with Lukaku desperate to join Napoli and that move being very much dependant on Osimhen leaving the club.
A loan deal with a buy option would be great for the Blues because it means they avoid paying the release clause which is thought to be around £110m and it mitigates any risk if Osimhen doesn’t do well.
If the Blues are able to get this deal over the line then the sporting directors, who have received plenty of criticism would deserve a lot of praise.
