- Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca aims to sign a new centre-forward
- Lukaku’s departure could clear the way for Osimhen’s arrival
- Crystal Palace expresses interest in Raheem Sterling
Premier League’s big-money spenders Chelsea and Italian side Napoli are edging closer to finalizing a verbal agreement regarding the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, potentially paving the way for the Premier League club to make a move for Victor Osimhen.
The swap deal has been in the works for some time, with Osimhen being a long-term target for Chelsea. Lukaku's expected departure, valued at an initial £25 million, would allow the Blues to push forward with their plans to strengthen their squad with a new centre-forward.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, has been vocal about the club's intentions to sign a "nine" before the summer transfer window closes.
"If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make a difference, then we are going to try," Maresca stated.
Osimhen’s future has been the subject of much speculation, with the 25-year-old now entering the final two years of his contract at Napoli. The Nigerian striker has made a name for himself as one of the world’s leading strikers, scoring 48 goals across all competitions in his last two seasons with Napoli.
He was instrumental in helping the club secure their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022/23 season.
Belgian forward, Lukaku who is not part of Maresca’s plans, has however spent the past two seasons on loan in Italy with Inter Milan and Roma. Lukaku has not been involved in Chelsea's first-team training this summer, making his exit almost inevitable.
In addition to the Lukaku-Osimhen saga, Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has attracted interest from Crystal Palace, who are looking to bring in the 29-year-old on loan.
Sterling, who has struggled to secure a regular spot at Chelsea, is also being monitored by Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Juventus. Although Villa has been offered the chance to sign him, Sterling reportedly prefers a permanent move.
As the transfer window nears its end, both Chelsea and Crystal Palace must act quickly to secure their desired targets before the deadline on August 30.
Victor Osimhen hands in transfer request amid interest from top clubs
Previously, TheRadar reported that Victor Osimhen had been the subject of transfer speculation this summer, with rumours linking him to a move away from Napoli.
New Napoli manager Antonio Conte has identified Romelu Lukaku as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen, a striker Conte previously relied on heavily during their time together at Inter Milan.
