In an unexpected turn of events, Napoli have reportedly begun talks over sending Victor Osimhen to the Premier League on a season-long loan.
According to the Athletic, the English side in discussion with the Nigerian's employers are Chelsea, the struggling London giants who have long been linked with a move for Osimhen.
The former Lille forward is keen on a Diego Armando Maradona Stadium exit this summer despite signing a one-year extension to his deal back in December. The player, whose current deal expires in 2026, has a release clause but Napoli have struggled to find suitors willing to trigger it.
The player reportedly reached an agreement with PSG but the French giants could not negotiate a compromise with Gli Azzurri as Les Parisiens are unwilling to trigger the release clause.
Chelsea, on the flip side, hold leverage over Napoli as the Italian outfit are keen on signing Stamford Bridge forward Romelu Lukaku this summer. The Belgian ace would reunite with newly-appointed head coach Antonio Conte but Osimhen's future needs resolving.
The Athletic writes that any deal for Lukaku would be permanent. The Victor talks, however, center around a loan with an option to buy. It should be pointed out that in the absence of an obligation to buy, Chelsea could benefit from this talented striker for a season and opt against signing him next summer. This would gravely diminish Osimhen's value as he would have only a year left on his deal.
Additionally, a conflicting report has emerged out of Italy. According to Gianluca DiMarzio, Napoli are not keen on a loan. Instead, they wish to seal a player-plus-cash deal that would see Chelsea pay 70 million euros while sending Lukaku — valued at 30 million euros — the other way.
The report also adds that Napoli might entertain a loan but under certain obligations. Firstly, Aurelio De Laurentiis is unlikely to sanction a loan without an obligation. Additionally, the Serie A side will either discuss permanent deals for both Lukaku and Osimhen or loans for both players with the promise to make it permanent next summer.
Even more importantly, all of this hinges on whether the Nigerian will agree to a Stamford Bridge move. The Super Eagles forward is both ambitious and commands considerable wage demands. Chelsea could struggle to offer him a competitive project and meet his personal terms.
