Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an important update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian forward, who has been in sensational form, has caught the attention of several top European clubs, with Chelsea emerging as a keen suitor.
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However, despite the growing speculation, Romano revealed that the London club has not yet presented a formal contract proposal for Osimhen.
During his latest YouTube broadcast, Romano delved into the intricate negotiations between Chelsea and Napoli.
The discussions have primarily centered around Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian striker who is also on Napoli’s radar. Lukaku has attracted significant interest from Antonio Conte, Napoli’s manager, who sees him as a pivotal figure in his plans.
Romano explained, “During this negotiation with Napoli for Lukaku, Chelsea told Napoli clearly that they have Victor Osimhen on their list, and they want to make a move for him.
But Chelsea have not presented a contract proposal to Victor Osimhen.” This statement indicates that while Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen is genuine, the club has yet to make a decisive move.
The Super Eagles forward, who signed a contract extension with Napoli in December 2023, has a release clause valued between €120 million and €130 million, making him one of the most expensive targets in the market. Despite this hefty price tag, Osimhen remains a highly coveted asset, and Chelsea’s pursuit of him underscores their intent to bolster their attacking options.
As Romano noted, “We are still at the early stages. Chelsea still needs to do some work on the player side before saying we are at the key stages of the Osimhen story.” With the transfer window fast approaching, Chelsea’s strategy could evolve, potentially leading to more concrete developments in their pursuit of the Napoli star.