- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna is in England to try and hash out deals across the Premier League for a number of players.
We have previously reported that Chelsea and Napoli were locked in talks for Romelu Lukaku and Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.
HITC understands that Lukaku is keen on linking up with Antonio Conte at Napoli whilst Osimhen is keen on moving to Stamford Bridge this summer with the Italian side open to a deal.
As it stands Lukaku has a release clause of £38 million, with Osimhen’s set at £111 million.
Chelsea and Napoli locked in talks for Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen
HITC understands that both clubs are willing to drop their asking prices – with Napoli finally willing to go below £100 million – but Chelsea would have to substantially lower Lukaku’s price.
Lukaku has made it clear that he only wants to join Napoli with Conte, that is despite reported interest from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Osimhen has also made it clear he wants to move, but there have been talks with both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. His representatives insist that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel said on X that he is trying to encourage Osihen to Stamford Bridge.
“I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club,” said Mikel. “I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority.
“But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea. I’m sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature it would be fantastic for the club. Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us.”
Napoli also working on Billy Gilmour and Jens Cajuste deals
Manna is not just in England to try and sort out a deal for Osimhen and Lukaku but also Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour and Swede Jens Cajuste.
Napoli are closing on a deal with Brighton for Gilmour, who has agreed personal terms to make the move to Naples.
The Italian giants are making room for Gilmour by allowing Swedish midfielder Cajuste to move to England.
Cajuste had been due to join Brentford and underwent a medical in West London with a loan deal agreed with the option to become permanent.
However, the deal with Brentford broke down but Manna has negotiated a deal with newly promoted Ipswich Town – who are now due to take Cajuste on a season-long loan.
The post Exclusive: Chelsea's stance on Victor Osimhen deal explained, one player will be key to getting deal done appeared first on HITC.
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