Chelsea See Osimhen and Lukaku Deals as Separate, Not a Swap
Chelsea has been actively working on both Romelu Lukaku’s potential transfer and their pursuit of Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen. However, recent reports suggest that these two deals are not intertwined, as was previously speculated. Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates regarding the futures of both strikers.
Chelsea Focused on Selling Lukaku
Chelsea’s main priority regarding Romelu Lukaku is to secure a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge. The Belgian striker has been out of favor since his return from Inter Milan, and Napoli have emerged as one of the top contenders to secure his signature.
Reports indicate that Lukaku has already agreed on personal terms with Napoli, which would clear the way for negotiations between the clubs. However, there’s a twist: Chelsea is not considering a swap deal involving Victor Osimhen, as some rumors had suggested. The club is treating these transfers as two separate transactions.
Chelsea’s Interest in Osimhen Still Ongoing
Chelsea’s interest in Napoli’s striker, Victor Osimhen, remains strong. Their pursuit of the Nigerian striker was reignited several weeks ago, and talks are still ongoing between the two clubs. The Blues see Osimhen as a valuable addition to their squad, especially with the ongoing overhaul of their attacking options.
However, the deal is far from simple. Napoli’s asking price for Osimhen is extremely high, and the player himself is not willing to consider a loan move. Osimhen and his representatives have made it clear that they are only interested in a permanent transfer, and they will not agree to any reduction in salary as part of the deal.
Chelsea’s Loan Strategy for Osimhen
Despite the difficulties, Chelsea is exploring the possibility of bringing Osimhen in on loan. According to sources, the club has informed Napoli that they may attempt to finalize a loan move in the closing days of the transfer window. However, this strategy may not yield the desired result, as Osimhen’s camp has shown little to no interest in a temporary switch.
Osimhen has been adamant about not leaving Napoli on a simple loan, preferring a permanent transfer that matches his career ambitions. This stance complicates Chelsea’s efforts, especially with Napoli firm on keeping their star man unless their financial demands are met.
Chelsea continues to make significant moves in the transfer market, but the fates of Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen remain unresolved. While Chelsea looks to offload Lukaku on a permanent deal, their pursuit of Osimhen faces significant hurdles due to the player’s reluctance for a loan and Napoli’s high valuation. With the transfer window nearing its close, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will manage to finalize these deals in time.