Chelsea and Napoli are reportedly discussing a potential swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
This deal could see Lukaku heading to Italy, while Osimhen makes his long-desired move to the Premier League.
Napoli is expected to appoint Antonio Conte as their new head coach, and the Italian manager is keen on reuniting with Lukaku, with whom he previously worked successfully at Inter Milan.
Lukaku, who spent the current season on loan at AS Roma, is not part of Chelsea’s future plans and is valued at £38 million by the club.
Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen has been longstanding, but his hefty release clause of £110 million posed a challenge. However, including Lukaku in the deal could reduce the cash component required to around £72 million, making the transfer more feasible for the Blues.
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Osimhen, who has expressed a desire to play in England, could address Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal. The Nigerian striker’s goal-scoring prowess and playmaking abilities would provide a significant boost to Chelsea’s offensive options, potentially replacing the void left by former star Diego Costa.
This potential swap deal offers a strategic advantage for both clubs. Napoli would gain a proven striker in Lukaku who thrives under Conte’s system, while Chelsea could secure a top-tier forward for a reduced price. However, Chelsea might need to offload some players to accommodate the financial aspect of this deal.
With Osimhen’s possible arrival, Chelsea aims to solve their goal-scoring issues and add a new dimension to their attack, enhancing their competitive edge in the Premier League.