Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues suffer Victor Osimhem blow; club eyeing Juventus ace, and more - July 18, 2024
Chelsea are looking to upgrade Enzo Maresca's squad options ahead of the new campaign. The Italian manager took charge at Stamford Bridge at the start of last month following Mauricio Pochettino's departure.
Meanwhile, the Blues have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer. Elsewhere, the London giants are interested in Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 18, 2024:
Chelsea suffer Victor Osimhem blow
Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race to sign Victor Osimhen this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Nigerian forward is a much sought-after man this year and is also a target for Chelsea.
The Blues suffered due to a misfiring attack last season, so they are eager to make amends. Osimhen has had admirers at Stamford Bridge for a while, and the London giants have reportedly made him their priority this summer.
Osimhen apparently has a €130 million release clause in his contract, which makes a move quite complicated. Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are planning to offer Romelu Lukaku as part of a player-plus-cash offer to convince Napoli.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the player is leaning towards a return to Ligue 1 with the Parisians.
“Victor Osimhen is really open to making the move to Paris. Luis Campos was also the director at Lille when Osimhen was there, so this is an important factor, and so far the conversations with the Napoli striker’s agents have been very positive,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“The contract for Osimhen is not expected to be a problem, but similarly to the Neves story, the negotiation between PSG and Napoli will be important. … PSG want to pay under Osimhen’s release clause, and so conversations are ongoing."
Romano added that the Serie A side will move for Lukaku if Osimhen ends up leaving this summer.
“So, the situation is that PSG are advancing in talks with the player, he’s open to joining PSG. PSG want to negotiate, but we know it’s never easy with Napoli.
"For sure, the priority for Osimhen is to leave Napoli and this is the intention. PSG are on it, in case Osimhen leaves Napoli will surely go for Romelu Lukaku as his replacement,” wrote Romano.
Lukaku spent last season on loan at AS Roma and is not part of the Blues' plans for the upcoming campaign.
Blues eyeing Federico Chiesa
Chelsea have held talks with Federico Chiesa's representatives to discuss a move this summer, according to HITC. The Italian forward has entered the final year of his contract with Juventus but is yet to sign a new deal.
Multiple clubs are hot on his heels at the moment, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. The Blues are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old and have initiated contact with his camp recently.
Maresca is looking for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season. The Italian manager is expected to look for upgrades on the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke. Raheem Sterling has also been a pale shadow of his former self since arriving at Stamford Bridge and could leave this year.
Chiesa hasn't been at his best recently either but could still be an upgrade on the options at hand for the Blues. The Italian registered 10 goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions last season for the Bianconeri.
He's yet to enter his prime, so he could be a fine fit into Maresca's tactics. The 26-year-old is open to the idea of moving to the Premier League, although he has offers from clubs across the continent.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Marseille are among the clubs who have Chiesa on their radar. Chelsea also face competition from Napoli and AS Roma for the Italian forward.
Southampton want Armando Broja
Southampton are keen to bring Armando Broja back to St. Mary's Stadium, according to Sky Sports. The Albanian striker is no longer part of plans at Chelsea and will be allowed to leave.
Broja spent the second half of last season on loan to Fulham but failed to have an impact at Craven Cottage. The Blues are in the market for a new No. 9 and are willing to cash in on the 22-year-old.
Broja enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Southampton in the 2021-22 campaign. The Saints are looking for a new striker this summer and have zeroed in on the Albanian.
The London giants reportedly want £35 million to let Broja leave, but Southampton are likely to seek a cut-price deal. A move could help Chelsea adhere to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules due to the player's homegrown status.