Chelsea have deemed Napoli’s striker Victor Osimhen too expensive, even after Napoli reduced their asking price. The Serie A club is open to letting Osimhen leave this summer, with the Nigerian striker’s current contract including a €130m (£110.8m) release clause.
While Osimhen has been linked with clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, none have expressed willingness to meet Napoli’s initial demand. This situation has left Napoli in a difficult position, as they are counting on Osimhen’s transfer fee to fund their summer spending, including a potential deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Napoli have initiated talks with Chelsea regarding Lukaku, but the Premier League club is holding out for a buyer to meet the Belgian international’s £38m release clause. However, Napoli’s interest has led Chelsea to consider accepting a lower fee, around €25m (£21.1m), to facilitate the transfer.
During these discussions, Napoli indicated they could lower their valuation of Osimhen to €100m (£84.6m). Despite this reduction, Chelsea still consider the price too high. This stance comes after Chelsea had previously agreed on a £42m fee with Aston Villa for Colombian striker Jhon Duran last month.
The negotiations highlight the complexities and financial considerations involved in securing top-tier talent during the transfer window.
