Victor Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda has shut down reports of the Nigerian potentially joining Chelsea on an initial loan deal.
The Blues have been busy this summer and along with a new manager they have made seven new signings as they look to strengthen the squad to get back into the Champions League.
Despite signing teenager Marc Guiu from Barcelona they are still thought to be in the market for a striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson and have been strongly linked with Osimhen again this week.
Osimhen’s agent shuts down talk of possible loan move
In a turn of events it had been reported by journalist David Ornstein that the Blues were in talks with Napoli over a deal for Romelu Lukaku, and separate conversations had taken place about Osimhen being part of the deal and going the other way on an initial loan deal.
Reports in Italy had suggested Napoli weren’t open to a loan and wanted a start point of £58m plus the Belgian and now Calenda has come out to shut down talk over any loan.
Osimhen’s agent took to X.com and said:
“I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery. But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!”
Leggo di scambi fantasiosi con Victor spedito di qua e di là come se fosse un pacco da consegnare velocemente. Questo pacco peró è il capocannoniere del terzo scudetto della storia del Napoli. Rispetto e stop con le fake news!!!!#teamRC @victorosimhen9
🇬🇧 I’ve read about…
— Roberto Calenda (@RobertoCalenda) July 30, 2024
The Blues have held long term interest in Osimhen but it had been reported earlier this summer that they were pulling out of the race for the 25-year-old due to the price of the deal.
Some sort of swap deal makes sense given Osimhen wants to leave Napoli and Antonio Conte wants to bring Lukaku to Naples.
Progress in Osimhen’s departure has been slow, and it’s thought he would like to join Chelsea despite already agreeing terms with Paris Saint Germain.
The sticking point appears to be the release clause of around £110m, which so far no potential suitors have been prepared to pay, but with the start of the season drawing closer Napoli may need to lower their demands in order for a deal to be done.
