Chelsea linked with swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Chelsea and Napoli could be in talks over a swap deal between Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen in the transfer window.
Antonio Conte is expected to take over as Napoli coach and would welcome Lukaku's arrival amid Osimhen's long-standing desire to move to the first division.
Lukaku was on loan this season at AS Roma and is no longer part of the Blues' long-term plans. They are willing to sell him for £38m this summer. according to objective.
The Gazzetta report adds that Lukaku could be used as a “bargaining chip” by Chelsea in a bid to land Victor Osimhen. which has a release clause of £110 million.
Although they were not initially included in the Osimhen deal due to his exorbitant price tag, the prospect of including Lukaku in the deal means Chelsea may need to shell out just £72m in cash.
A beneficial situation for Chelsea and Napoli
Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku share a great relationship as they worked together at Inter Milan in the past. The Belgian has a history of excelling under the former Italy coach's tactical system.
He is not in Chelsea's long-term plans and they can use him to land their top target, Victor Osimhen, for a much lower price than initially anticipated.
Osimhen has held out hopes of moving to England and is likely to leave the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer. And it could be the answer to Chelsea's problems in front of goal.
In attack, the Blues have lacked cutting edge due to the absence of a lethal striker. Osimhen would be an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson and could take the scoring pressure off Cole Palmer.
The Nigerian international would also provide Chelsea with good play in attacking transitions and an aerial threat in the box, something they have lacked since Diego Costa has been at the club.
The west Londoners may still need some selling before spending more than £70m, but Osimhen's reduced price tag due to Napoli's interest in Lukaku could make them favorites for the Serie A striker.
