Napoli have reportedly laid out fresh demands to Chelsea in a complex swap deal that could see star striker Victor Osimhen move to Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng understands.
The Italian giants are interested in acquiring Romelu Lukaku and 21-year-old midfielder Cesare Casadei as part of the negotiation.
According to reports, Napoli’s proposal includes Chelsea sending both Lukaku and Casadei to Naples, along with an additional €45 million, to secure the services of their prolific Nigerian forward.
Osimhen, who signed a new contract with Napoli in the 2023-24 season featuring a hefty €120 million release clause, has expressed his desire to leave the Stadio Diego Maradona.
However, no club has yet been able to match Napoli’s valuation of the 25-year-old striker.
Meanwhile, Lukaku, currently on Chelsea’s books, has already reached personal terms with Napoli, adding fuel to the possibility of this high-profile swap.
Casadei, the young Italian midfielder, could be a crucial part of this deal. Having returned to Chelsea from a loan spell at Leicester City, where injuries led to his recall, Casadei struggled to secure a regular spot under former Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino and was even excluded from the club’s USA your under new coach Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea appear willing to part with Casadei, who joined from Inter Milan just two years ago.
The ongoing transfer saga has seen Chelsea closing in on an agreement with Osimhen, who is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract worth £10 million annually.
Paris Saint-Germain were previously front-runners for the Nigerian’s signature, but Chelsea’s ability to include Lukaku, a player Napoli manager Antonio Conte desires, could give the Blues the edge in securing the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
