Chelsea are reportedly negotiating with Napoli to secure Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on a long-term loan deal, with an option to buy, as part of a potential swap involving Romelu Lukaku.
The proposed deal would see Romelu Lukaku head to Napoli permanently, reuniting with new Napoli head coach Antonio Conte. The pair previously enjoyed a successful partnership during their time together at Inter Milan.
Lukaku, 31, spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Roma, where he netted 21 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. The Belgian striker’s move to Napoli would offer him a chance to reconnect with Conte and continue his career in Serie A.
In contrast, the talks surrounding Osimhen involve a loan arrangement with the option for Chelsea to purchase the Nigerian forward outright. Since his transfer from Lille in July 2020, Osimhen has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli. Last season, he scored 15 goals as Napoli aimed to defend their Serie A title after winning their first Scudetto since 1990.
The potential swap highlights a significant shift in Chelsea’s attacking options and further underlines the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad with high-profile signings.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
