Chelsea are set to ramp up their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after the Nigerian international handed in a transfer request over the weekend.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli from Lille in the summer of 2020, has long been linked with a move away from the Italian club. Chelsea have maintained a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old forward and have previously held discussions with Napoli regarding a potential swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues were initially poised to sign Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion for €40 million, but according to The Athletic, that deal has now collapsed. Chelsea had reportedly agreed to a £34.5 million (€40m) deal with Atletico Madrid, and Omorodion was expected to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with an option for an additional year.
Osimhen, who has a release clause of €130 million, is eager to join an elite team, and Chelsea remain keen on securing his signature. Meanwhile, Napoli’s new manager, Antonio Conte, is reportedly interested in reuniting with Lukaku, whom he coached to a Serie A title at Inter Milan in 2021. Lukaku has struggled to find form since returning to Chelsea later that year.
However, Osimhen has made it clear that he wants to leave Napoli, with the club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, confirming over the weekend: “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.”
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are also reportedly in the race to sign Osimhen this summer, adding to the competition for his signature.
With the transfer window reaching its climax, Chelsea are determined to secure a high-profile striker and believe Osimhen fits the bill.
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