Joe
Chelsea’s summer-long efforts to secure a deal for Napoli’s Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, have hit a significant roadblock, with the player reportedly favoring a move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) instead.
Throughout the transfer window, the West London club has been in negotiations with Napoli, who are keen on acquiring Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku as part of the deal. However, according to sources from Football Italia, the 25-year-old Osimhen is hesitant to join Chelsea, primarily due to the club’s absence from the Champions League this season.
Osimhen, who scored 17 goals in 32 appearances for Napoli last season despite a disappointing campaign for the Italian side, is reportedly more inclined to join PSG. The French giants have shown strong interest in the striker, and a potential move to Paris is more appealing to Osimhen, who is eager to continue playing in Europe’s top-tier competition.
Meanwhile, Lukaku, who has had stints with Inter Milan and AS Roma, is keen on a return to Italy and is reportedly interested in reuniting with Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Despite this mutual interest between Lukaku and Napoli, Osimhen’s reluctance to move to Chelsea is said to be holding up the potential swap deal.
Napoli is reportedly holding firm on their €100 million (£86m/$110m) asking price for the Nigerian international. With PSG leading the chase for Osimhen’s signature, Chelsea’s hopes of landing the striker appear increasingly uncertain as the transfer window edges closer to its conclusion.
