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Chelsea 'in talks over Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku deals'

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Napoli over a deal which could see the Blues sign forward Victor Osimhen, while Romelu Lukaku could join the Serie A side.

The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for Osimhen in recent seasons, with the Nigerian international having starred in Italy.

Chelsea have also been keen to offload Lukaku on a permanent basis having loaned the Belgian out for the past two seasons.

According to The Athletic, discussions are ongoing with Napoli over the permanent transfer of Lukaku.

The deal could then see Osimhen move to Stamford Bridge, reportedly on loan with Chelsea having an option to buy.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen reportedly could join Chelsea on loan with an option to buy

Talks are ongoing for Romelu Lukaku to join Napoli in a permanent move from Chelsea

Osimhen has made a huge impact at Napoli since joining in a reported club record £80m move from Lille in 2020.

The forward has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for the club and played a key role in their Serie A title win in the 2022-23 season.

The 25-year-old scored 26 goals in Napoli’s run to their first Scudetto since 1990.

Osimhen netted 17 times in 32 matches last season in all competitions, as Napoli endured a miserable defence of their Serie A title.

Napoli missed out on European football after finishing 10th in a season which saw the team go through three different managers.

Osimhen had signed a new contract in December, extending his Napoli deal until 2026.

The deal saw Osimhen secure a major pay rise, while his release clause reportedly increased to €130m (£113m).

PSG had been in talks to sign Osimhen earlier this month, with the French champions said to have been closing in on a deal worth around £84m.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could be handed a major boost if a deal for Osimhen is sealed

Lukaku looks set to be reunited with his former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte at Napoli

Reports suggested the deal then collapsed when PSG refused to pay the full release clause.

Osimhen, who turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League last season, revealed in January that he had 'already made' a decision about where he could play next season.

In an interview with CBS Sports he spoke about the prospect of moving to the Premier League, stating the 'EPL is one of the biggest and best leagues in the world.'

Should Lukaku complete a move to Napoli, the Belgian would be reuniting with his former manager Antonio Conte.

Lukaku had enjoyed a prolific spell under the Italian during their time at Inter Milan.

The 31-year-old scored 34 goals at Inter during 2019-20 season, before netting 30 times the following season.

His form led to Chelsea paying £97.5m to re-sign the forward in the summer of 2021.

Lukaku scored 15 goals in his first season back at Chelsea, before returning to Inter Milan on loan the following season.

He scored 21 goals in 47 matches in a loan spell at Roma in the 2023-24 season. 

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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