Two-time European champions Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen.
The English outfit are known to be long-time admirers of the 25-year-old who is also being pursued by French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Osimhen has been the most sought-after striker in Europe since he led Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years last season.
Since his arrival at Napoli four years ago, the Super Eagles forward has consistently showcased brilliance for the club.
Osimhen has accumulated an impressive record of 75 goals and 18 assists in 130 matches for the Partenopei during his four-season tenure.
Last December, he extended his contract with Napoli, including a release clause valued around €130 million.
This clause must be activated before the Naples club can entertain the termination of their agreement with the Nigerian.
Both Chelsea and PSG are eager to recruit Osimhen in the summer transfer window. Chelsea seek a striker of Osimhen's calibre to bolster their attack, while PSG, in search of a high-profile replacement for the departing Kylian Mbappe, view the Super Eagles forward as an ideal candidate.
In interviews, Osimhen has expressed a preference for the Premier League and his desire to play there one day.
This sentiment was further reinforced when he spoke of his admiration for Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend, Didier Drogba.
However, the possibility of returning to Ligue 1 is also significant, given his experience during his one-season spell with Lille, where he scored 13 goals in 27 appearances before joining Napoli.
What is Chelsea's strategy to secure Osimhen's signature amid PSG competition?
According to Sky Sport Italia journalist and renowned transfer market reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the London-based club have reportedly proposed a deal to Napoli.
The offer includes €90 million along with Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan at Roma, and an undisclosed young player.
The burly Belgian forward is believed to have been on the wish-list of Giovanni Manna, who is anticipated to be named Napoli's new Sporting Director in the coming days.
Manna also reportedly attempted to secure Lukaku for Juventus in the past.
Lukaku has struggled to fit in at Chelsea but has excelled in the Serie A, impressing during his stints with both Inter Milan and AS Roma.
In the current campaign, the 30-year-old has scored 11 goals in 29 appearances for the Giallorossi, registering three assists in Italy's top flight.
In the UEFA Europa League, the Belgian has scored seven goals in 12 matches whilst providing one assist. In the Coppa Italia, he scored a goal in two games for Roma.
What is PSG's bargaining chip to lure Osimhen to Parc des Princes?
According to earlier reports from the Italian media outlet Il Mattino, PSG's sporting advisor Luis Campos and his team have reportedly devised a plan to propose an offer including one or two players as part of the deal for the former Lille striker.
This proposition has caught Napoli's attention, as the Serie A champions are keen on players such as Carlos Soler, Marco Asensio, Lucas Beraldo, and Lee Kang-in, who are on the fringes in the French capital. These players are seen as potential assets that PSG could offer in exchange for Osimhen.
Liverpool join race for Victor Osimhen
Liverpool might face the possibility of losing Mohamed Salah this summer, as well as manager Jürgen Klopp, who announced his decision to step down at the end of the season.
As Darwin Núñez's performance wavers in the season's closing weeks, Osimhen is positioned to be viewed as a significant — and potentially headline-making — acquisition to complement the appointment of new manager Arne Slot from Feyenoord.
Napoli's transfer market ambitions hinge on Osimhen sale
In a strategic move to bolster their squad for the upcoming season, Napoli are poised to capitalise on the potential sale of Osimhen.
With negotiations underway, the Partenopei see Osimhen's departure as a pivotal opportunity to secure crucial funds to fuel their ambitions in the transfer market.
Osimhen, a highly sought-after talent coveted by several top clubs, represents a valuable asset for the club.
His impending sale is expected to generate a significant influx of funds, providing the club with the financial muscle needed to pursue key targets and strengthen various areas of the squad.
By reinvesting the proceeds from his sale wisely, Napoli aim to reinforce their competitive edge and position themselves as a formidable force in domestic and international competitions.
