- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea retain an interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
A new forward is understood to be high on the list of priorities for Chelsea this summer and they have already completed a deal to sign teenage striker Marc Guiu from Barcelona.
Another striker is understood to be on Chelsea’s list and sources have told HITC that lines of communication between the Blues and Victor Osimhen’s camp ahead of a potential move this summer.
We reported last month that Chelsea would not pay Osimhen’s release clause that Napoli inserted in the Nigerian’s contract which is understood to be £110 million.
Osimhen ‘anxious’ over summer move away from Napoli
HITC understands that Osimhen is anxious to secure a move as the feels the time is right for him to leave.
Chelsea are understood to have shown the most interest in Osimhen and the Nigerian forward is of the belief that a move to Stamford Bridge may well be the best outcome for him.
Rivals Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown an interest but it never progressed, as it hasn’t with Chelsea due to Napoli’s stance, as we reported.
Osimhen put pen to paper on a new deal at Napoli last summer and the Italian side included a £110 million release clause and the club’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is understood to want that fee hit before agreeing to a sale.
HITC can reveal that if Napoli came below £100m, Chelsea sources believe a deal could be possible, but at it stands De Laurentiis is standing firm on his valuation of the striker.
Napoli could soften Osimhen stance due to Kvaratskhelia
Osimhen isn’t the only player who has been linked with a move away from Naples this summer as Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is attracting interest.
French giants Paris Saint-Germain are understood to hold the strongest interest in the winger but HITC has reported that there is also admiration from the Premier League for the 24-year-old.
Kvaratskhelia’s father and agents have told De Laurentiis they want to leave, but he is so far refusing to grant the winger his wish.
Because of the issues De Laurentiis is having with Kvaratskhelia, sources have informed HITC that the Napoli owner could soften his stance on Osimhen, helping Chelsea in the process.
If De Laurentiis does soften his stance on the forward, Chelsea will be waiting in the wings.
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