Chelsea Set To Offer Huge Fee for Osimhen
Chelsea have reportedly held initial talks with Napoli over the potential summer signing of Victor Osimhen as Mauricio Pochettino aims to upgrade his inconsistent attack. The Blues are said to be getting creative with their planned proposal to lure Osimhen to Stamford Bridge amid looming Financial Fair Play regulations.
Pochettino has endured a disappointing first season as Chelsea’s head coach, partly due to his misfiring attack, which Cole Palmer has rescued from a total disaster.
It isn’t easy to picture the depths Chelsea may have descended into this term had it not been for Palmer’s incredible introduction after a £40million switch from Manchester City.
The 21-year-old has registered 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, only joined in double figures by Nicolas Jackson, who has netted 14 times.
Christopher Nkunku has barely kicked a ball during an injury-stricken maiden campaign after his £53m arrival last summer. Armando Broja has had a similarly limited role through fitness issues of his own, and is now on loan at Fulham.
So Chelsea will reportedly return to the market for a new striker this summer, and Osimhen has emerged as a possible target.
According to Sky Sport Italia, the West London giants have joined Paris Saint-Germain in the frame for Osimhen’s signature.
Initial contact is said to have been made with Napoli, where the 25-year-old has scored 75 goals in 130 games across four years since joining from LOSC Lille.
Chelsea are claimed to be readying an approach worth £69m to £77m with the inclusion of Romelu Lukaku and a young player.
Lukaku flopped after returning to Stamford Bridge in a £97.5m deal in 2021 and was sent back to Inter Milan on loan last season.
He remained in Italy this term at AS Roma, scoring 19 goals in 43 games, and could sign for a third Serie A giant in as many years if Napoli are interested in his services.
The report adds that incoming sporting director Giovanni Manna has identified Lukaku as a target, having previously wanted to take him to Juventus in a swap deal with Dusan Vlahovic.
But it remains to be seen whether Osimhen or Lukaku would be interested in joining the respective clubs.
Chelsea and Napoli may not be in European football altogether next season, with the latter’s drop-off even more staggering after winning the Serie A title last year.
For now, Napoli are said to have prioritised the appointment of a new head coach. Stefano Pioli, Vincenzo Italiano, Antonio Conte, and Gian Piero Gasperini have all been touted as targets.
