"It’s going to take some time to understand" - Romano provides update regarding transfer situation involving Chelsea and Victor Osimhen
Fabrizio Romano has stated that Victor Osimhen's future is yet to be decided as Chelsea and Napoli have not agreed to a deal. The transfer expert added that the transfer will not happen overnight and is bound to take time.
Speaking on a Playback stream, Romano claimed that Osimhen and his agent have no plans to accept a loan move. They want a permanent deal at all costs and are unwilling to listen to other offers. He said (via GiveMeSport):
"From what I'm told, I don't think it's going to be a situation resolved today, tonight, Monday or Tuesday. It's going to take some time to understand what happens between Napoli and Chelsea, because as of today, Osimhen and his agent have no intention to go on loan. Chelsea know that Napoli will return for Romelu Lukaku, and they know that conversations will continue. But at the moment, the issue is not Napoli. The issue is the player. Napoli are prepared to sell Osimhen, but the player doesn't want to go on loan."
The Athletic's David Ornstein reported last month that Chelsea and Napoli were in talks over a swap deal involving Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku. However, he claimed that the Blues were looking to sign the Nigerian striker on loan with an option to buy.
Victor Osimhen's agent rejects chances of loan or swap deal with Chelsea
Victor Osimhen's agent, Roberto Calenda, took to Twitter (now X) soon after the report from David Ornstein came out and stated that his client was not moving on loan. He said:
"I read about 'fantasy exchanges' with Victor… as if he was a package to be delivered quickly. This package is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in the history of Napoli. Respect and stop fake news!"
Osimhen spoke to John Obi Mikel earlier this year and admitted that the Premier League is attractive, but he was not thinking about it. He said (via Football London):
"The rumour is going around about me linked with the Premier League. Of course, when you're one of the hottest strikers in the world you expect this type of thing, it's one of the biggest and best leagues in the world. I've been the one making my own decisions on everything, and it's working out well for me. I already know the next step I want to take, so for now, I just want to finish the season strong."
The Blues are still looking to add a striker this summer and see the Nigerian star as the ideal fit. However, they have no plans to activate his €120 million release clause.