Chelsea have been linked with Victor Osimhen for some time as they’re keen to strengthen their attack. The 25-year-old is coming off the back of a prolific season at Napoli and is keen on a big-money move abroad.
Chelsea have been told to match his reported £111m release clause, but they might offer a player instead. Simon Jones and Luke Power of the Daily Mail say Napoli have requested Romelu Lukaku in a deal for Osimhen.
Chelsea desperate for Osimhen
Osimhen joined Napoli from LOSC Lille in 2020, making 133 appearances in all competitions, scoring 76 goals with 18 assists. The Nigerian international caught the eye of many clubs after netting 26 league goals in 2023, but he’s not cheap.
Chelsea have only one natural striker in Nicholas Jackson who has 19 goals in 48 games, so he’s average. The Blues want to bolster their frontline and add more goals to the attack, but Osimhen’s price is an issue. Napoli aren’t budging from their valuation, but they might accept less if Lukaku is included.
Chelsea have no place for the 31-year-old in the squad, so they should be open to letting him leave.
Lukaku surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge
Lukaku hasn’t made an appearance for Chelsea since 2022. He scored only eight league goals from 26 games in his final season for the Blues. Lukaku has spent the last two years on loan at Inter Milan and AS Roma, so a permanent departure looms. The Belgian would jump at the chance to work with Antonio Conte at Napoli, so a deal suits all parties.
The 31-year-old earns £325k-per-week at Chelsea, so he’s eating up £15m each year in wages. Chelsea will be desperate to have Lukaku permanently on the books, and signing Osimhen would be a bonus. Napoli still want financial compensation for the Nigerian, so Chelsea will have to put some money up. It remains to be seen how much they’ll be required to pay, as the article doesn’t specify.
