Victor Osimhen to Chelsea: Romano drops bomb that could change everything

29 Jul 2024 14:57 BST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano is refusing to rule out the possibility of seeing Victor Osimhen complete a transfer to Chelsea from Napoli this summer, even positing a potential swap deal.

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The football transfer news reporter says that although a deal currently looks unlikely, there is a scenario that could see the Nigeria international come back onto the radar of the Blues.

Osimhen has reached an agreement on personal terms with PSG, putting the Ligue 1 side in command of the race, but with Napoli insisting that the 25-year-old’s €130 million release clause is triggered, the deal has reached an impasse.

EXCLUSIVE: PSG hold transfer talks with Napoli's Victor Osimhen

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Romano has explained the striker’s current position.

“The situation between PSG and Victor Osimhen remains the same,” Romano confirmed. “We know that 10-15 days ago, Osimhen gave his green light to joining PSG. He’s very open to joining the project, very enthusiastic about PSG.

“But PSG didn’t like the conditions imposed by Napoli. One of these was to include Kang In-Lee as part of the deal, the other was to pay Osimhen’s release clause. They’re not going to do that. The situation is in total standby, that’s the point.”

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

Lukaku an ace card for Chelsea

Romano says that Romelu Lukaku could have a determining factor in the deal, with Napoli eager to sign the Belgium international as a replacement for Osimhen.

Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who is now in charge of the Serie A outfit, is said to be “crazy” about the forward.

“The intention of Victor Osimhen remains to leave in the summer. The idea of Osimhen remains to change.

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“The idea of Napoli is very clear: Romelu Lukaku. Antonio Conte, the manager, is crazy for Lukaku. Some contact has already taken place between Conte and Lukaku, they had a fantastic relationship. The contract is ready, it’s a three-year deal. It now depends on Victor Osimhen.

“Between Chelsea and Osimhen, the message is clear. Nothing is happening if the price is the release clause and the salary is the same as he has at Napoli, €12m at Napoli. If this package is reviewed and if the deal with PSG collapses, we can’t exclude anything in the month of August. There’s nothing advanced, there’s nothing concrete, but it could remain one of the options, also because Napoli and Chelsea will discuss Lukaku.”

In a fresh update on the situation, Romano went so far as to posit the possibility of a potential swap deal, writing on X: "Understand Napoli could also be open to discussing Osimhen as part of Lukaku talks with Chelsea."

Read more about: Serie A, Ligue 1, Premier League, Chelsea, Napoli, PSG, Romelu Lukaku, Victor Osimhen