Napoli Weigh Options for Osimhen Amid Chelsea’s Loan Request
Napoli is evaluating whether to facilitate Victor Osimhen’s departure this summer or to retain him, as stated by the club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna.
Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has netted 76 goals but has yet to appear in the team’s first two games of the season, as he seeks a transfer.
Chelsea remains adamant about acquiring Osimhen on loan, despite Napoli’s firm stance against allowing the striker to leave.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea is persistent in pursuing a loan deal for Osimhen, aiming to strengthen their attack with a proven goalscorer. Osimhen has previously expressed a desire to move on from Napoli during the current transfer window.
However, The Standard reports that Napoli is determined to block Osimhen’s exit this summer. Sporting director Giovanni Manna informed Sky Sports Italia, “Victor is a crucial player with significant value. His intentions are well known, and we are working to maintain the squad’s cohesion at this time. This situation is not unique to us, and we will see how things unfold in the next ten days. It’s too early to gauge the outcome. We are collaborating with his representatives to find the best resolution. Given his importance, finding a replacement is not straightforward. With him under contract for another two years, if we cannot resolve this by August 30, we will need to discuss the situation further with the player.”
Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly withdrawn from the race for Osimhen, which could benefit Chelsea’s pursuit of the player.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is also negotiating with Napoli regarding the sale of Romelu Lukaku, a £100m acquisition who has not met expectations. This deal is being handled separately from Osimhen’s transfer.
Chelsea, having struggled with a lack of clinical finishing in their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in their Premier League opener, will face Servette in a Europa Conference League play-off match.
