Boost for Chelsea as Napoli eye a replacement for Victor Osimhen
The Nigerian center-forward Victor Osimhen is expected to make a high-profile move to the Premier League this summer, as Chelsea continue to show keen interest. In a boost for the Blues, Napoli are now hunting for his replacement.
The Italian club is keeping tabs on LOSC Lille star attacker Jonathan David. He is also the target of many big clubs. Napoli have chosen the Ligue 1 star to fill the boots of Osimhen.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Sun), Canadian international Jonathan David is willing to join the Italian club even if they do not qualify for European football next season.
Napoli and Lille are at odds over the transfer fee for Jonathan David, with the Italians proposing £30 million plus bonuses while the Ligue 1 club is demanding £42.7 million upfront.
However, these discussions seem to confirm Napoli’s preparedness to part ways with Victor Osimhen, the exceptional striker who played a crucial role in the club’s Serie A triumph last season.
Meanwhile, Osimhen’s release clause is valued at up to £110 million, limiting the number of potential suitors. Long-time admirers Chelsea and United would likely need to generate funds through player sales to finance a move for the 25-year-old.
With Napoli not in the best of spots, Chelsea appears to be in pole position to secure the services of their new star attacker, Osimhen. While the identity of Chelsea’s potential new striker remains uncertain, it is evident that the club is actively searching for reinforcements up front.
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With the summer transfer window still a ways off and plenty of football left to be played, there’s ample time for more developments to unfold. Chelsea fans will need to exercise patience as they await news on who will step up to challenge Nicolas Jackson for the lead role in the Chelsea attack next season.