Napoli Ready to Offer Osimhen to Chelsea as Part of Deal to Sign Lukaku

Napoli Ready to Offer Osimhen to Chelsea as Part of Deal to Sign Lukaku

  • Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli is expected to be resolved before the 2024/25 season kicks off
  • The Nigerian forward will leave the Italian club, but his release clause is a stumbling block for many suitors
  • Antonio Conte favours well-travelled Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku as his replacement when he leaves

Victor Osimhen’s future could be resolved soon, with Napoli already considering an option previously available to them, but they turned it down.

Osimhen is confirmed to be leaving the Diego Maradona Stadium this summer, with new manager Antonio Conte informed he is powerless to stop the Nigerian forward.

Antonio Conte and Victor Osimhen at Napoli training.
Victor Osimhen training under Antonio Conte's supervision at Napoli. Photo by Ciro de Luca.
Source: Getty Images

His £113 million release clause and wage demands have been the stumbling block that has driven away top Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli to consider Osimhen Lukaku swap

Napoli's new boss, Antonio Conte, has identified Romelu Lukaku as his ideal striker to replace Osimhen when he leaves the club, and the Belgian striker is also ready to leave Chelsea.

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Enzo Maresca: Chelsea boss speaks on Osimhen's rumoured move

The two clubs were involved in discussions over an exchange deal earlier in the summer, but the Italian club quickly pulled out because they wanted the full release clause for their player.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Neapolitans are now interested in having discussions with the London club to facilitate a swift departure for the Nigerian and get Conte’s dream striker.

The deal interests Napoli once more after failing to reach an agreement to sell Osimhen to Paris Saint-Germain despite the player having a deal agreed for personal terms.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea withdrew from the deal for the former Lille star early in the summer due to the cost of the transfer as they aim to maintain the league's profit and sustainability rules.

Read also

Victor Osimhen: Chelsea legends Didier Drogba, Mikel Obi send message to wantaway Napoli star

Why PSG cooled interest in Osimhen

Legit.ng reported on why PSG cooled interest in Osimhen despite having an agreement with the striker over personal terms on a five-year contract worth €14 million per year.

PSG boss Luis Enrique was said to have been pivotal in the deal stalling as he is not convinced the striker is not suited to his style of play and would instead work with Randal Kolo Muani or Goncalo Ramos.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit NG. He has four years of working experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria (August 2020 - September 2020), OmaSports (December 2020 - June 2021), El Futbolero (July 2021; September 2021- November 2021), and Sports Brief (November 2022 - July 2024). He is a press conference and interview specialist and has attended trainings held by Reuters, AIPS, and FIJ. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (2021) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Reach me via elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com