Chelsea transfer news: Agent responds to Osimhen loan speculation
The agent of Victor Osimhen seemingly dismisses suggestions that the Napoli forward could join Chelsea on loan.
With Napoli said to be open to the sale of the Nigeria international during the summer transfer window, there has been constant speculation regarding his future.
Paris Saint-Germain are currently refusing to meet the player’s release clause, alleged to be £110m, and Premier League clubs have taken a similar stance.
However, on Tuesday morning, a report claimed that Napoli were open to loaning Osimhen to Chelsea on a season-long loan deal, the Blues possessing the option to buy.
Theoretically, that may make sense to the Serie A outfit should Romelu Lukaku move in the opposite direction as the 25-year-old’s replacement.
Hours after that report, though, Osimhen’s representative Roberto Calenda has taken to social media to play down that scenario.
Roberto Calenda has indicated that someone of Osimhen’s value and reputation warrants a more valued part of any negotiations between clubs.
Speaking on X, he said: “I read about imaginative exchanges with Victor sent here and there as if he were a package to be delivered quickly.
“This package, however, is the top scorer of the third scudetto in Napoli’s history. Respect and stop with fake news!!!!”
Calenda’s comments have the potential to bring the process to a standstill, leaving matters at an impasse like they are with PSG
With Chelsea having other attackers on their shortlist of potential signings, the West Londoners may not necessarily be too downhearted with Calenda’s reaction.
That said, the priority for co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital is generating a sizeable fee for Lukaku and getting his wages off their outgoings.
Napoli will only press ahead with the acquisition of the Belgium international if they sell Osimhen, putting the clubs in a position where further discussions will need to be held.
Osimhen currently has two years left on his contract, something which Napoli will have to take into consideration when deciding what to demand for his signature
Peradventure he will still play for Napoli this season