Chelsea handed boost in chase to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli: Reports
Chelsea have reportedly been handed a boost in their chase of Victor Osimhen. Napoli are open to adding Romelu Lukaku to the deal as they look to sell the Nigerian star this summer.
As per a report in The Guardian, Antonio Conte wants Lukaku as the replacement for Osimhen this summer. The Belgian has worked with the manager before during their time at Inter Milan and is also keen on making the move back to Italy.
However, they first need to see out Osimhen, who has run out of options as Napoli held out for the €120 million release clause. Chelsea and PSG showed interest but are unwilling to activate the clause or pay an amount close to it.
Osimhen has admitted that he has made a decision on his future and hinted that leaving Napoli was the plan this summer. He told CBS Sports:
"I have already made my decision on the next step to do at the end of the season. I already made up my mind. I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, the next step I want to take. I think 60% of the people mention the rumours about me linked with the Premier League. Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world. I want to finish the season with Napoli strong then come up with the decision I've already made."
PSG have reportedly agreed terms with Osimhen but the Nigerian star is waiting for the Premier League club.
John Obi Mikel pushed Victor Osimhen to join Chelsea
John Obi Mikel was talking on his podcast earlier this year and admitted that he wanted Victor Osimhen to join Chelsea. He revealed that the striker was also keen on the move and said:
"I think there is genuine interest between both. He loves the club, he wants to come to the club. Obviously he wants to follow my footsteps as a Nigerian player who has played for Chelsea. London is a fantastic city, instead of going to Liverpool, places like that. I'm still Osimhen's agent when trying to get him to Chelsea. I've got 20% of that deal, so I hope it works out!"
The Blues are looking to sell Lukaku this summer as he is not in the manager's plans once again. He returns to training on Monday (July 29) at Cobham, but the first-team squad is already on their pre-season tour of the USA.