Chelsea and PSG target dropped from pre-season squad as transfer looms - Reports
Napoli have excluded striker Victor Osimhen, a Chelsea and PSG target, from their pre-season squad amidst his reported departure. The Nigerian hitman hasn't featured in pre-season at all.
In their final friendly with Genoa before the 2024-25 season, new Partenopei boss Antonio Conte didn't include Osimhen. The striker is reportedly training alone as his departure looms.
Osimhen, 25, is one of the top marksmen in the game, playing a key role in Napoli's 2022-23 Serie A triumph with 26 goals and five assists in 32 games. However, he had an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign, contributing 15 goals and three assists in 25 league outings as the holders finished a lowly tenth.
Despite being contracted with the Stadio Diego Maradona until 2026, Osimhen is seemingly on his way out this summer. Metro reported a swap deal with Chelsea involving striker Romelu Lukaku heading permanently to Napoli, with Osimhen going the other way on loan with an option to buy.
However, Osimhen's representative, Roberto Caldena, dismissed the reports:
"I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery. But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!"
The Partenopei have reportedly agreed to let Osimhen leave this summer but are apparently seeking prospective suitors to trigger his release clause of €130 million. However, both PSG and the Blues are reluctant to do so.
What's next for Chelsea and PSG?
Chelsea commenced their pre-season with a 2-2 draw with Wrexham at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara before losing 4-1 to Celtic at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
The Blues registered their first win of the Enzo Maresca era with a 3-0 win over Club America at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta before losing 4-2 to Manchester City at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
They next take on Real Madrid on Tuesday (August 6) at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte before closing their pre-season with a clash with Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge five days later.
Meanwhile, PSG plays Sturm Graz on Wednesday (August 7) in their pre-season opener in Klagenfurt, Austria.