BUSINESS DAY
Chelsea are in advanced negotiations with Napoli over a potential season-long loan deal for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to talkSPORT. The discussions also involve Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to head in the opposite direction.
Chelsea are in the market for a striker but have no intention of paying Osimhen‘s £110 million release clause. Instead, the two clubs are negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy.
Napoli would prefer an obligation to buy based on Chelsea’s qualification for the Champions League.
The London club has been determined to find a buyer for Lukaku after a disappointing second spell at Stamford Bridge. While the Belgian forward is keen on a return to Italy and has agreed personal terms with Napoli, a permanent deal has been hindered by Chelsea’s high valuation of £37 million. Lukaku currently earns £325,000 a week.
” Chelsea have inaugurated a new policy on wages and Victor Osimhen’s salary breaks through the salary cap. The London club are also thinking about a loan exchange, considering that both players have contracts expiring in 2026.” as quoted by Corriere dello Sport.
A loan move for Osimhen, coupled with Lukaku’s departure, presents an opportunity for Chelsea to address their attacking woes while generating significant savings on wages. The Nigerian international has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted strikers following his impressive performances for Napoli, where he clinched the Serie A title last season.
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