Chelsea could seal a dream striker transfer exchange which would see them finally sign Victor Osimhen. The Blues have been linked to the Nigeria international for a number of transfer windows, however it emerged that they would not be actively pursuing a deal this summer.
Following a sub-par season in Italy for Napoli, Osimhen was given permission to seal a permanent departure with that stance not changing despite the arrival of Antonio Conte. Talks with Paris Saint-Germain begun earlier this month, however the deal has since stalled significantly with the French club not wanting to pay his release clause.
Keeping Osimhen for the 2024/25 season does not appear as an option for Napoli, especially with his replacement already having been identified. Conte has worked with several star players during his managerial tenure with Romelu Lukaku as one player he has got the absolute best out of, which certainly explains why Napoli want to sign him from Chelsea.
During the 2020/21 season, where Conte and Lukaku won the Scudetto with Inter, the latter contributed to 40 goals from 44 appearances in all competitions which resulted in him sealing a sensational return to Chelsea that summer in a £97.5million deal.
Having allowed the Belgium international to go back on loan to Italy since he joined three years ago, Chelsea have made it clear a permanent departure must take place ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Though Lukaku has not played for Chelsea since May 19, 2022, a replacement could still be signed and it may end up being a straight swap with Osimhen. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Blues are in ongoing talks with Napoli for both the permanent transfer of Lukaku and a season-long loan for Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.
