Chelsea and Napoli are in advanced negotiations over a potential swap deal that could see Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen move to the Premier League, significantly below his €130 million release clause.
Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte, is reportedly interested in acquiring Romelu Lukaku, alongside Chelsea’s midfielder Cesare Casadei, with a cash payment of £39 million as part of the deal.
Victor Osimhen is reportedly eager to leave Napoli, while Lukaku is looking to part ways with Chelsea during this summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, is keen on bringing Osimhen to Stamford Bridge, especially after Samu Omorodion’s £34.5 million move to the club fell through.
Osimhen, who netted 15 goals in Serie A last season, has expressed a desire to test his skills in the Premier League. Though loan swap options have been discussed, Osimhen is reportedly leaning towards a permanent transfer to Chelsea.
Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea seems to be leading the race for Osimhen’s signature.
According to reports, if the swap deal goes through, it could represent a significant financial loss for Chelsea. The club would be exchanging two players, whose combined transfer costs were £114.5 million, plus an additional £39 million, for Osimhen.
This comes amid Chelsea’s ongoing spending spree, with the club’s total investment in players since Todd Boehly took over as owner reaching an astounding £1.114 billion.