Chelsea explore ambitious swap deal involving Lukaku for Osimhen

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Napoli over a potential swap deal involving strikers Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku. Finding a prolific new striker has been a top priority for the Blues this summer, with Osimhen emerging as a prime target after netting 28 goals for Napoli’s Serie A title winners from last season.

The Nigerian international recently signed a new contract at Napoli containing a £100m+ release clause. While PSG have been linked with triggering that clause to replace Kylian Mbappe, Chelsea are exploring swap avenues to reduce the upfront costs, according to transfer expert, Gianluca Di Marzio.

To facilitate Osimhen’s arrival, Chelsea are willing to include the out-of-favour Romelu Lukaku as a makeweight. The Belgian is valued at £37m following an unsuccessful £97.5m switch from Inter Milan in 2021. He has spent this season on loan at Roma, scoring 12 Serie A goals.

In addition to Lukaku, Chelsea are prepared to pay up to £80m in cash to Napoli. The Blues have also offered to include a promising young player in the deal for the 24-year-old Osimhen, who has attracted admiring glances across Europe.

Incoming Napoli Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, is believed to be a big admirer of Lukaku. Manna reportedly explored a swap deal involving Dusan Vlahovic and Lukaku last summer before joining from Juventus.

Paul

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