Victor Osimhen offered to Chelsea in Romelu Lukaku deal
Napoli have made Chelsea an offer for Romelu Lukaku that would also see Victor Osimhen move to Stamford Bridge
Napoli are looking to offer Victor Osimhen to Chelsea as part of their efforts to secure Romelu Lukaku, according to the Times.
With Antonio Conte now at the helm in Naples, the Italian club aims to bring Lukaku, whom Conte previously led to a Serie A title at Inter Milan, back to Italy.
The plan is to replace the wantaway Osimhen with Lukaku.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has travelled to London to negotiate a deal for Lukaku.
They have currently proposed a £26 million offer, but Chelsea are holding out for £40 million, which is what they paid for Lukaku in a club-record transfer in 2021.
Meanwhile, Napoli are keen to offload Osimhen, who is valued at £90 million.
Although they have struggled to find a buyer at that price, they are open to a swap deal involving the two strikers, provided they can agree on the financial terms.
Lukaku, who has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, has been on loan for the past two seasons – first at Inter Milan and then at Roma.
The 31-year-old has expressed a strong desire to reunite with Conte.
Osimhen has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain and various clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances, helping Napoli win Serie A two seasons ago.
He signed a new contract with a release clause of around £101 million, but Napoli now seem willing to entertain his sale.
Osimhen has previously expressed interest in moving to the Premier League, and his fellow Nigerian, John Obi Mikel, believes he could fill the void left at Chelsea.
Mikel, alongside Didier Drogba, is reportedly working to persuade Osimhen to move to west London.
“We want somebody who can finish, score goals, the tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland,” he said.
“That’s something Victor Osimhen will bring to Chelsea.
“I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club.
“I’ll make sure I send him those texts messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority!
“But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea.
“I’m sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him.
“I think if we can secure his signature it would be fantastic for the club.
“He’s somebody who will get us goals and that’s something that we need right now.
“A fantastic guy, fantastic human being and I really do hope he comes to the club and I’ll try my best to make sure that happens.
“Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us.
“We all want to see Victor come to the club.”
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