
Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, which would involve two players heading to Napoli in exchange.
The London club have been searching for a new striker all summer and have stepped up their efforts to sign Osimhen after a move for Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion collapsed at the eleventh hour.
The reigning CAF Player of the Year Osimhen has asked to leave Napoli, who are eager to sign Romelu Lukaku as his replacement.
Chelsea are trying to use Lukaku as a bargaining chip to reduce Osimhen’s price tag, thought to be around £100million.
However, Lukaku is not the only player Chelsea have proposed to Napoli, with midfielder Cesare Casadei reportedly now involved in the talks.
According to The Sun (via Mirror) Chelsea could end up spending just £39m on Osimhen, with Lukaku and Casadei moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
Napoli new head coach Antonio Conte is looking forward to reuniting with Lukaku, who he previously managed at Inter Milan.
Lukaku has reportedly agreed personal terms with Napoli, accepting a significant pay cut, but the same cannot be said for Osimhen and Chelsea. Osimhen reportedly signed a huge £210,000-a-week contract in December last year and is hesitant to take a salary reduction.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have a strict wage structure to consider, with only three of their current players (Lukaku, Reece James and Raheem Sterling ) earning over the £200,000-a-week threshold. These contracts were all agreed before the club’s wage structure was altered in late 2022.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
You may be interested

UEL: Durosinmi Bags Brace As Viktoria Plzen Qualify For Round Of 16
Webby - February 20, 2025Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi bagged a brace as Viktoria Plzen beat Ferencvaros 3-0 in the Europa League second leg play-off.…

UCL: Mbappe Bags Hat-trick As Madrid Knock Man City Out
Webby - February 19, 2025Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick to help Real Madrid to a 3-1 win against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions…

Salah Sets Another EPL Record As Liverpool Drop Points In Title Race After 2-2 Draw At Villa
Webby - February 19, 2025Liverpool failed to extend their lead over Arsenal no thanks to a disappointing 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa in…