Transfer: Napoli Not Interested In Osimhen, Lukaku Swap

Pier Francesco Monachino, a renowned expert in Italian transfers, has boldly stated that Serie A’s top team, Napoli, will not consider Chelsea’s proposal that includes Romelu Lukaku and Cesare Casadei along with a cash payment for Victor Osimhen.

In their attempt to secure the Nigerian international, the English Premier League club (Chelsea) was ready to offer Lukaku and Casadei a sum close to €30 million to convince Osimhen to join Stamford Bridge.

Sportxparte reports that Osimhen signed a new deal with Napoli in December, but the contract only lasts until the summer of 2026, and it’s rumoured to have a release clause of approximately £113 million.

Despite this, major clubs have shown interest in Osimhen, who has become one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe, with offers from Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others.

President of Partenopei, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has accepted the possibility of losing Osimhen and has previously stated that a nine-figure sum would be required to sell Osimhen to another team, but the Italian giants are now willing to negotiate a lower price for him.

Italian news source Corriere dello Sport reports that Napoli is ready to reduce their asking price for Osimhen and is open to receiving bids of around €100 million (£84.7 million).

On Sunday, TeamTalk wrote that the Blues had been encouraged by the new demand and are willing to offer to players plus cash for Osimhen.

“Chelsea are willing to offer Romelu Lukaku and Cesare Casadei to Napoli to help lower the price of Victor Osimhen,” the publication on X reads.

Monachino’s Submission On Osimhen, Lukaku Transfer Talks

Monachino stated in an interview with Sky Sport Italia via IlNapolista that the champions of Serie A for the 2022/2023 season will not acquire the Belgian forward unless they first offload the Nigerian player.

He noted. “The first issue is Osimhen. In recent weeks we have mentioned Lukaku because when we talk about Conte, we automatically talk about him.

“The Belgian himself said that Conte is the best coach he has had, but without Osimhen’s departure, Napoli will not go for Lukaku.

“The clause is €130m, however, Napoli will not go below three figures. The player obviously wants to stay in Europe; there was only an inquiry from Saudi Arabia.

“For Lukaku, Chelsea’s request is always over €40m. Milan is also interested in Lukaku.”

Osimhen made the switch from Lille to Napoli in the summer of 2020 for a club record fee of €70m, with an additional €10m in bonuses.

He has been in outstanding form for the Parthenopeans over the last two seasons, leading them to their first Scudetto title in over thirty years.

The striker, who hails from Lagos, concluded the 2022/23 season with 26 league goals and was honoured as the league’s top striker.

Despite a challenging 2023/24 season for Napoli, where they only managed to win 13 games, suffered 11 losses, and drew 14, Osimhen still achieved a commendable feat by scoring 15 goals and providing three assists in 25 league appearances.