Chelsea's ambition to strengthen their attack has taken a decisive turn as the club's strategy to acquire Napoli's prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, has come to light.
The 25-year-old has been linked with several top clubs, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Osimhen's potential suitors, aside from Al-Ahli, have been deterred from finalising the deal due to Napoli's insistence on the player's steep release clause of €130 million (£110 million).
However, reports indicate that the English outfit Chelsea have found a way to secure the Nigerian's services, helping him realise his dream of playing in the Premier League.
Chelsea want ‘try before you buy' agreement for Osimhen
Reports have emerged in the English media that Chelsea and Napoli are in talks over a possible season-long-loan move for Osimhen that includes an option to buy.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Gli Azzurri have proposed that the loan option convert into an obligation if Chelsea qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen's potential move to Chelsea could pave the way for Romelu Lukaku to join Napoli as his replacement. The burly Belgian has reportedly agreed to a pay cut and a three-year contract to facilitate the move to Naples, where he would be reunited with Antonio Conte, who managed him at Inter three seasons ago.
Although Osimhen's 2023/24 season was less prolific than his capocannoniere campaign the year prior, partly due to a hamstring injury and his involvement in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria, the Nigeria international still scored 17 goals and contribute four assists across 32 appearances.
Osimhen joined Napoli for preseason training a fortnight ago, but was notably omitted from the club's friendly against Egnatia.
