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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Chelsea target Victor Osimhen, who looks set to leave Napoli this summer. The Nigerian has been with the Serie A side since the 2020-21 season.
Osimhen, 25, played a key role in the Partenopei's 2022-23 Serie A triumph - their first league success in more than three decades. He contributed 26 goals and five assists in 32 games, but endured a far less stellar 2023-24 league campaign, managing 15 goals and three assists in 25 outings as Napoli finished 10th.
However, it seems like the Nigerian might have already played his last for the club after not being a part of their pre-season and training alone. Sporting director Giovanni Manna has confirmed that the striker wants to leave, with the Blues reported to be among his suitors.
Osimhen's reported release clause of €130 million is proving problematic, but the striker's salary demands and refusal to move out on loan could also scupper a potential move. Providing an update on the situation, Romano said (as per CFCp):
“I see stories about Osimhen and Chelsea, but, last week, they say Osimhen deal is off and not going to Chelsea, the situation is the same. Chelsea are still discussing for the loan, Osimhen doesn’t want a loan, and he will not reduce a single euro of his salary. He wants his salary to be respected."
Osimhen also sat out the Partenopei's Coppa Italia opener against Modena at the weekend, which Antonio Conte's side won 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw, on Sunday (August 11).
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea have a new boss at their helm: Championship-winning Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca arriving to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, who left at the end of the last season.
After a rather forgettable off-season, where the Blues won only one of six games, they look set to kick off the Maresca era in right earnest with a home clash with four-time defending champions Manchester City on Sunday (August 18).
The Blues are coming off a sixth-placed finish last season - winning their last five games - while City have been the team to beat in the English top flight for a while. With their unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title last season, Pep Guardiola's side are also the first team in English football history to win six titles in seven years.
