Napoli don’t like the idea of loaning Victor Osimhen to Chelsea and their starting point for a deal is thought to be £58m plus Romelu Lukaku according to reports in Italy.
The Blues, who are currently on their pre-season tour of America are in the market for a striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson, but so far nothing has materialised.
Despite signing teenager Marc Guiu from Barcelona, it’s thought Chelsea are still wanting to add another striker to their squad and they have been linked with the likes of Samu Omorodion, Jhon Duran and Jonathan David.
Napoli not open to Osimhen loan
In a major turn of events it appears there’s a chance Chelsea could sign Osimhen from Napoli with Lukaku going in the other direction.
Journalist David Ornstein reported on Tuesday morning that Chelsea and Napoli were in discussions over Lukaku with talks also taking place over Osimhen going the other way on an initial loan deal.
However, Italian outlet Di Marzio have stated that Napoli don’t like the idea of loaning the Nigeria international and would be prepared to work at a baseline of £58m plus Lukaku.
If that price is to be believed that represents a significant reduction from the £110m release clause Napoli have been insistent on receiving so far and would still represent a very good deal for Chelsea.
The Blues would be able to offload Lukaku, which they have been trying to do for the past couple of years and in the process they would be getting a top class striker who is proven at the highest level.
Chelsea have held long term interest in the Nigerian and he was thought to be their first choice striker target, but it was reported earlier this summer they would no longer be pursuing a deal due to the cost, but it was also reported a move hadn’t been fully ruled out if the circumstances changed.
It’s hard not to get carried away at the thought of Osimhen joining Chelsea, and it must be stressed there are several more hurdles to overcome before this move happens if it does, but it certainly seems to be a lot closer than it has been previously.
