Chelsea is intensifying its pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen following the player’s recent transfer request. The Blues had initially aimed for a €40 million move for Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, but that deal has fallen through, prompting them to focus on Osimhen, who has a €130 million release clause and is eager to leave Italy this summer.
Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, confirmed Osimhen’s desire to depart, stating, “Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go. We will see in the next 20 days.” This timeline suggests that Chelsea has a limited window to negotiate a deal.
The negotiations are expected to be complex, as Chelsea is considering including players like Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga in the offer to facilitate the transfer. Lukaku, who has previously played in Serie A, is seen as a potential asset for Napoli, while Chelsea is keen to manage its wage bill effectively.
Osimhen has been a standout performer for Napoli since joining from Lille in 2020, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances and helping the club secure the Serie A title. His impressive track record has attracted interest from other clubs, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, making it crucial for Chelsea to act swiftly in their negotiations.