Romano drops Osimhen update as Chelsea expected to complete striker signing

27 Jun 2024 09:53 BST
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has given the latest news over the future of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who has been linked to a string of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Osimhen was the subject of rumours suggesting he will be part of a sensational swap deal with Man Utd that will take Mason Greenwood to the Serie A club.

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Previously, Napoli have been insistent that clubs pay his €120 million release clause, yet there are rumours circling that they may be willing to relent on that demand as they build towards next season. The Nigeria international’s huge wages and a lack of Champions League football mean that the Serie A outfit will find it difficult to afford the 25-year-old.

EXCLUSIVE: How Chelsea reneging on transfer agreement helped cost them Olise

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Romano does not believe, however, that Osimhen’s future is likely to be resolved imminently – but the Nigeria striker will depart Napoli this summer.

“Another striker we continue to hear a lot about is Victor Osimhen, but the reality is that it still looks quiet on this story. I think this is a situation we have to follow in July/August, rather than this week, even if there have been some rumours about his asking price changing,” Romano writes for the Daily Briefing.

“Napoli are never an ‘easy club’ when it's time to negotiate but for sure the expectation of all parties remains the same: Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer.

© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

“This is not the case with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, however, with new manager Antonio Conte making it clear he wants the Georgia playmaker to stay at the club. But with Osimhen, let’s see what happens later in the summer as I expect he still has good chances to leave the club.”

This news is likeliest to benefit Arsenal, who have both the finances and the incentive to chase Osimhen at the correct price, with manager Mikel Arteta seeking more firepower.

One striker in, one out at Chelsea?

Romano says there’s a domino effect waiting to happen with this deal. Chelsea, for example, will better understand what will happen with Romelu Lukaku, who is being linked with Napoli as a potential replacement.

“If Napoli do sell Osimhen, we may then also get a clearer idea about the future of Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea,” he says. “For now there is no substantial update on Lukaku, but Chelsea insist on their intention to sell Lukaku and not to accept any loan now, so the situation is still the same, and it won’t be changing. It will take time and it will depends on clubs’ strategy.”