EPL clubs may revive interest in Osimhen as Napoli drop price
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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has long been planning to leave the club this summer but didn’t expect the difficulties in finding a new club as Antonio Conte waits for Romelu Lukaku.
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker penned a new contract with the Partenopei back in December that included a €120-130m release clause, and he hoped it would be activated this summer, ready for a new adventure after a positive four-year spell on the Campania coast.
Osimhen is dreaming of a move to the Premier League but his lofty price tag has seemingly scared away potential suitors like Arsenal and Chelsea. Paris Saint-Germain and some clubs in Saudi Arabia are keen, but offers haven’t materialised yet.
Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com suggests that Napoli still hasn’t received any offers for Osimhen and are willing to listen to proposals in the region of around €100m as they look to cash in on the striker this summer.
Conte quickly identified Lukaku as one of his primary targets ahead of the new season, but a deal for the Chelsea striker can’t be completed until the Napoli forward is sold, leaving things on standby.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen seems to have cooled and may be revived.
Osimhen was the Blues’ No.1 target for this transfer window at one point.
Instead, Chelsea have turned to much cheaper options, such as Lille’s Jonathan David. It has been reported that he could be available for just £30m this summer.
At the new price, Osimhen suddenly becomes a much more realistic target for Chelsea, though it remains to be seen whether they revive their interest in him or not.
Chelsea have spent over £100m each on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who are now the two most expensive signings in the club’s history.
The South American duo possess quality, but more often than not, they are not going to win Chelsea games. They are midfielders; there is only so much they can do.
Osimhen, on the other hand, is a goalscorer, a match-winner. He has scored almost 50 goals across the last two seasons combined.
If the Blues can drop £100m+ twice on two midfielders, then surely they can spend £85m on a forward like Osimhen. Of course, profit and sustainability rules could make things a bit tricky, but if Napoli are now willing to sell the Nigerian for less than his release clause, then Chelsea has to consider signing him.