In a dramatic turn of events, Chelsea has reignited their interest in Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, after previously cooling their pursuit earlier this summer. This shift in strategy comes as Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca pushes for reinforcements to strengthen the squad, particularly in the forward department. The negotiations, which had seemingly stalled due to the high financial demands associated with Osimhen, have taken a fresh twist, with a potential swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku now on the table.
Osimhen, one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, had an impressive season with Napoli, netting 15 goals in 25 matches. His performances have made him a top target for several clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea. However, the Blues had previously hesitated to meet Napoli’s steep asking price, which is reported to be in the region of €120-130 million. Additionally, Osimhen’s substantial wages in Naples further complicated the deal, causing Chelsea to pause their pursuit [[❞]](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/07/chelsea-transfer-news-david-ornstein-victor-osimhen-romelu-lukaku).
However, the situation has evolved rapidly. Napoli, who are keen to find a replacement for Osimhen, have shown interest in bringing Romelu Lukaku to Serie A. Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at Inter Milan, is not in Chelsea’s long-term plans, making him a prime candidate for a swap deal. According to reports, Chelsea is now actively engaged in discussions with Napoli about a potential swap, where Lukaku would head to Naples, and Osimhen would move to Stamford Bridge [[❞]](https://www.teamtalk.com/chelsea/chelsea-napoli-to-hold-fresh-talks-over-victor-osimhen-with-blues-wage-stance-revealed).
The proposed deal might not be straightforward. Initial reports suggest that Chelsea could first secure Osimhen on loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer. This approach could be beneficial for Chelsea, allowing them to stagger the financial burden and evaluate Osimhen’s fit within the squad before committing to a permanent deal. However, Napoli is reportedly keen on a direct sale to maximize their returns, given the striker’s high market value [[❞]](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/07/chelsea-transfer-news-david-ornstein-victor-osimhen-romelu-lukaku).
For Chelsea, Osimhen represents a potential game-changer as they seek to reestablish themselves as title contenders in the Premier League. With Nicolas Jackson showing promise but lacking consistent goal-scoring prowess, Maresca is determined to add more firepower to his attacking options. Osimhen’s arrival would signal Chelsea’s intent to challenge at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.
Meanwhile, Lukaku’s future remains uncertain. While a move to Napoli could revive his career, the complexities of the deal mean that both clubs are still in the negotiation phase. Lukaku’s high wages and Chelsea’s asking price of around €40 million are key factors that need to be resolved before any agreement can be finalized.
As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, the next few days will be crucial. Chelsea’s renewed interest in Osimhen, coupled with Napoli’s desire to bring in Lukaku, suggests that a significant deal could be on the horizon. If successful, this transfer could have a major impact on both clubs’ fortunes in the upcoming season, with Chelsea hoping to land the prolific Nigerian striker to spearhead their attack [[❞]](https://www.teamtalk.com/chelsea/chelsea-napoli-to-hold-fresh-talks-over-victor-osimhen-with-blues-wage-stance-revealed) [[❞]](https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/07/chelsea-transfer-news-david-ornstein-victor-osimhen-romelu-lukaku).