- Napoli has agreed to let Osimhen leave this summer but is waiting for a team to trigger his €130m (£110.8m) release clause
- Chelsea has reactivated their interest in Osimhen following his transfer request
- Romelu Lukaku reportedly agrees to a three-year deal with Napoli
Victor Osimhen has 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.
Conte's preference for Lukaku’s physicality and goal-scoring prowess stands out, which makes Osimhen a significant doubt in his plans. However, the uncertainty surrounding Osimhen's future is intensified by Lukaku’s ongoing transfer discussions.
Although a transfer to Chelsea appeared likely at one point, financial limitations and concerns about adhering to Financial Fair Play regulations have created issues, adding complexity to the situation already on the ground.
Chelsea Reignite Interest in Osimhen After Napoli Forward Requests Transfer
Victor Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph for the 2022-23 season, but his future with the club has been a topic of intense speculation since last summer.
Despite participating in pre-season training, Osimhen has not appeared in any of Napoli's pre-season matches, as new head coach Antonio Conte is keen to sign Romelu Lukaku as his replacement.
Napoli has agreed to let Osimhen depart this summer, but President Aurelio de Laurentiis is holding out for a team to meet the striker’s €130m (£110.8m) release clause. Paris Saint-Germain, who were initially leading the pursuit, have decided against meeting that valuation and will instead continue with their current forwards, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani.
Recent reports suggest that Chelsea and Arsenal have renewed their interest in Osimhen, with Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna confirming that the player is pushing for a move. Manna stated,
"Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go. The situation is clear; there were already chances for his exit last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days."
Arsenal is still looking for a new striker after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, who extended his contract with RB Leipzig. They are considering Osimhen.
They were also priced out of a move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Chelsea, which has already spent £ 200 million this summer with the imminent signing of Pedro Neto, continues to show interest in Osimhen.
Transfer Saga: “Fantasy,” Victor Osimhen’s agent squashes player's transfer rumours
Previously, TheRadar reported that Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has reacted to transfer rumours regarding his client. He claims that no loan bid has come in for Victor so far and that people should respect the player and stop fake news. Napoli’s head coach, Conte, has reportedly left Victor Osimhen out of pre-season preparations. The forward is nonetheless keen on leaving Italy this summer, and the French giants, PSG, remain at the frontline to secure the player despite the interest of top English clubs.
