Bad news for Chelsea as Napoli eye Barcelona star as Osimhen replacement

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Jun 2024 20:24 BST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Napoli are interested in Vitor Roque, according to Spanish media.

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The much-talked-about striker merry-go-round has yet to really kick off this summer. Victor Osimhen is still at Napoli and so far little concrete seems to be materialising regarding a potential departure.

The €130 million striker is still expected to leave Naples this summer, but his Premier League suitors have dropped away due to concerns over his price and fitness record.

Nevertheless, Napoli are planning for the future and are looking at several potential options. Chief among their targets is Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea are looking to offload the Belgian and new Napoli boss Antonio Conte is keen to reunite with his former Inter star.

Lukaku is even prepared to wait for Napoli to make an offer despite also having lucrative Saudi proposals on the table. As things stand, said offer is yet to materialise and Napoli have just been linked with a new name.

Napoli want Roque

According to Sport, Napoli have now enquired about the availability of Vitor Roque, who could be a more attractive option to Lukaku given his potential and youth, but it seems unlikely that Barcelona will agree to a permanent exit.

Barcelona are still struggling with their finances and although Hansi Flick would prefer to keep Roque around, he will only be able to do so if the economic situation permits. There are concerns that Barcelona won't be able to register Roque for the upcoming campaign.

Napoli were reportedly keen on Roque before he joined the Blaugrana but never made a concrete move, believing that they had little chance to secure his services. They could now try their luck as Roque faces an uncertain future. The Brazilian is keen on regular game time and it is doubtful whether Barcelona can offer that.