May 4th 2024.
Chelsea Football Club has been keeping a close eye on Napoli's star striker, Victor Osimhen, for quite some time now. In fact, they have recently made contact with the Italian team regarding a potential transfer deal for the Nigerian international this summer.
Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli's title-winning season last year, which caught the attention of the Blues. However, things have not been going well for the Serie A giants this season, as they currently sit mid-table. This has prompted Osimhen to express his desire for a move away from Naples.
While Paris Saint-Germain has also shown interest in the 25-year-old, Chelsea is determined to rival them for his signature. According to reports, the Blues have initiated talks with Napoli and are looking to agree on a transfer fee of €80-90 million. To sweeten the deal, they are also willing to offer their star player, Romelu Lukaku, and a promising young talent.
It is believed that Giovanni Manna, who is expected to become Napoli's new sporting director, has identified Lukaku as one of his top targets. The Belgian striker, who was signed by Chelsea for a record fee in 2021, has spent the last two seasons on loan in Italy, first at Inter Milan and then at Roma. He has been in good form, scoring 19 goals in 43 appearances for Roma.
Chelsea has faced issues in their attacking department this season, with youngster Cole Palmer accounting for almost a third of their total goals in the Premier League. While new signing Nicolas Jackson has also had a decent return of 15 goals in his first season, he has received criticism for missing some crucial chances.
Meanwhile, Napoli's Christopher Nkunku has been plagued by injuries and has only made two starts this season. On the other hand, Osimhen has been in great form, scoring 16 goals for his team. His former Chelsea teammate, John Obi Mikel, believes that Osimhen has his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
"I think there is genuine interest between both. I think he loves the club, he wants to come to the club," Mikel said. "Obviously, he wants to follow my footsteps as a Nigerian player who has played for Chelsea - Victor Moses, Celestine Babayaro, not a lot of us. But he also has a lot of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. I'm still pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure he doesn't expect too much and keeps his mind open to the possibility of joining the Blues."
It remains to be seen if Chelsea can secure Osimhen's signature and add him to their attacking lineup, but it is clear that they are determined to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer.
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