Chelsea is pushing forward in negotiations with Napoli to secure the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, offering a deal worth €60 million plus an additional €10 million in performance-based bonuses. The proposal also includes Romelu Lukaku as part of the transfer package.
The London club has presented Osimhen with a five-year contract, valued at £10 million annually, extending until June 2029. Additionally, Chelsea is willing to grant the Nigerian star full control over his image rights.
However, despite the enticing offer, Osimhen appears hesitant to commit to Chelsea. Reports suggest that his preferred destination remains Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), rather than a move to the Premier League.
Chelsea’s technical team has given the green light for Osimhen’s acquisition, with more developments expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, continues discussions in London, with the potential sale of Osimhen likely influencing the finalization of Lukaku’s transfer to the Italian club.
Osimhen has been attracting interest not only from PSG but also from clubs in Saudi Arabia. After a stellar performance that saw him score 26 goals in 32 league matches and lead Napoli to a Serie A title two seasons ago, the club initially secured him with a release clause of around £101 million. However, Napoli now seems open to selling the 25-year-old forward.
Manna confirmed the striker’s desire to leave the club, stating, “Victor Osimhen has expressed his intention to move on. This is not new, as there were opportunities for his departure last summer. We will assess the situation further.”
Napoli originally signed Osimhen from Lille in 2020 for a fee exceeding £65 million. Given his impact on the team, particularly during the 2022/23 season, where he played a pivotal role in winning the Serie A title, his sale is expected to bring a significant financial boost to the club.
